The NHS, individual NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and health organisations are facing an increasing challenge of managing the immediate consequences of falls while implementing a proactive, coordinated and preventive approach to reducing falls in the future.
Existing fall pathways often face challenges regarding early identification, intervention, and continuous management of fall risks. The reactive nature of these pathways frequently results in addressing the issue post-incident rather than proactively preventing falls.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that the cost of falls to the NHS amounts to more than £2.3 billion every year, meaning the NHS spends more than £6 million each day as a result of falls. An estimate by NICE in 2015 shows that inpatient falls, or falls that occur in hospitals, account for 25% of this cost. In 2015, an estimated 250,000 inpatients experienced a fall, costing trusts around £2,600 per patient. The remaining 75% of this cost, over £1.7 billion, is spent due to falls happening at home, in care homes, and the community.
More importantly than the financial cost of falls, the impact that falls have on older people is serious. Falls are the leading reason older people lose their independence and go into long-term care. A fall will also often cause an older person to enter a downward spiral of a fear of falling, leading to inactivity, loss of strength and balance, and, as a result, an increased risk of further falls. Falls in older people can result in various consequences, ranging from physical to social and psychological factors.
With an ageing population, the risk of falls and related injuries is a rising national challenge. Falls are a leading cause of severe injuries and fatalities among older individuals. The repercussions extend beyond the affected individuals to the broader healthcare system, manifesting in increased healthcare costs and resource strain.
A shift towards a more preventative, coordinated and collaborative approach is vital. Identifying individuals at risk of falls early and providing targeted interventions can significantly reduce the incidence of falls and improve the quality of life for older individuals.
Proactive promotion and empowerment for active, healthy living is vital. With more access to information, advice, self-assessment tools and personal interventions, individuals have the knowledge and resources to maintain mobility and independence, reducing the likelihood of falls.
Streamlined pathways for identifying, assessing, and intervening in fall risks are crucial for proactive fall prevention. Enhanced pathways empower healthcare providers to deliver personalised, timely interventions, minimising fall incidents and promoting active living.
NICE guidelines underline the importance of multifactorial assessments, interventions, and strength & balance training in fall prevention. Adhering to these guidelines is pivotal for ensuring quality care and patient safety for NHS Trusts and Local Authorities.
If you would like more information about our falls prevention platform and the work we're doing with NHS trusts and local authorities across the UK, or to arrange a demonstration for your falls steering group, please get in touch with our team.