Effectiveness of a Multimodal Intervention Program for Older Individuals Presenting to the Emergency Department After a Fall in the Northern French Alps Emergency Network.

Objective: Fall-related visits to emergency departments (EDs) are common among older individuals. We aimed to assess effectiveness of a healthcare intervention program for the management of elderly patients admitted to EDs after a fall.

Methods: Using a before-after observation method, we investigated ED healthcare staff practices related to fall-related injuries in 2010 (period 1) and 2012 (period 2) in 13 centers participating in the Northern French Alps Emergency Network.

[Quality of care provided to elderly fallers in the emergency room].

Background: recurrent falls are a major public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as increased dependence. Multifactorial intervention has been shown to reduce recurrence by 20% (Profet study). The French Health Authority (Haute autorité de santé or HAS) recommends since 2009 a systematic screening for and assessment of risk factors as well as the implementation of preventive measures.