A population-based study of 2347 fall-related injuries among older people in a Finnish emergency department

Purpose Fall-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity, mortality and functional decline among older people. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of fall-related emergency department (ED) visits and compare the characteristics of single and recurrent fallers in a population-based sample. Methods Consecutive patients aged >= 80 years and living in the Tampere city region who visited collaborative emergency department within a two-year study period (1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016) due to fall-related injury were included. The incidence of fall-related injuries and recurrent falls was calculated using population statistics. Results A total of 6915 >= 80-year-old patients visited our ED 17,769 times during the study period. Thirteen percent of these visits (n = 2347, median 87 years, 80-103 years; 74% female) were fall-related. The incidence of fall-related ED visits increased from 94/1000 person-years to 171/1000 among those aged 80-89 years and >= 90 years, respectively. Twenty-four percent of patients had recurrent falls (range 2-5) during the observational period. Twenty-five percent of those discharged home had a subsequent fall-related injury within one month after the index visit. The distribution of diagnoses was similar among those with single and recurrent falls. Conclusion Fall-related injuries are a significant health issue. Almost one in eight of all ED visits were fall-related, and 24% of patients had recurrent fall-related injuries. The risk of subsequent injury was high during the first month after the first injury, emphasizing the need to intervene with the fall risk promptly. Key summary pointsAim The main objective in this population-based study was to analyze the incidence of fall-related emergency department visits and recurrent falls among older people in a Finnish community. Findings Thirteen percent of all ED visits of patients aged 80 years and over are fall-related. One in four of those discharged home had a new fall-related injury. Message As the risk of subsequent fall-related injuries was high during the first month after the fall, we emphasize the need to intervene with the fall risk promptly.