Abstract
What are the main risk factors for falls amongst older people and what are the
most effective interventions to prevent these falls? March 2004
ABSTRACT
This report is HEN’s response to a question from a decision-maker. It provides a synthesis of the best available
evidence, including a summary of the main findings and policy options related to the issue. Fall prevention
programmes can be effective in reducing the number of people who fall and the rate of falls. Targeted strategies
aimed at behavioural change and risk modification for those living in the community appear to be most
promising. Multifactorial intervention programmes that include risk factor assessment and screening have been
shown to be effective. However, no screening tools have been rigorously validated across countries and further
work is needed in this area.
HEN, initiated and coordinated by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is an information service for public
health and health care decision-makers in the WHO European Region. Other interested parties might also
benefit from HEN.
This HEN evidence report is a commissioned work and the contents are the responsibility of the authors. They
do not necessarily reflect the official policies of WHO/Europe. The reports were subjected to international
review, managed by the HEN team.
When referencing this report, please use the following attribution:
Todd C, Skelton D (2004). What are the main risk factors for falls among older people and what are the most
effective interventions to prevent these falls? Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence
Network report; http://www.euro.who.int/document/E82552.pdf, accessed day month year).
Keywords
ACCIDENTAL FALLS
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
AGED
RISK FACTORS
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
DECISION SUPPORT TECHNIQUES
EUROPE
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© World Health Organization 2004
Description
This is a synthesis report that collects research on risk factors and prevention of falls amongst older people. Conducted by HEN, an information service for public
health and health care decision-makers in the WHO European Region.
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