English summary: INADEQUATE SECONDARY PREVENTION OF FALLS IN THE AGED

Background Original studies have shown positive results of secondary prevention of falls in the aged. The aim was to describe the examinations and preventive measures performed among the aged in primary health care and in a central hospital after a fall in order to assess the risk factors of falls and to prevent future falls.

Methods The intervention and control groups (N=591) of the fall prevention study targeting aged inhabitants in the town of Pori were followed during a 12-month intervention period in order to detect visits to the municipal health centre or the central hospital in the area because of falls. Data were collected from the registers of these institutions.

Results Altogether 95 (16%) subjects sought care due to a fall accident during the observation period. Examinations to assess the individual risk factors of falls were performed for a few patients in primary care, but for none of the patients at the central hospital. Secondary prevention of falls was organized for only very few fallers in primary health care, and did not form part of the treatment in the central hospital.

Conclusions Assessment of risk factors of falls and prevention of future falls and fractures among fallers should be expanded in primary health care and in hospitals.