Systematic review (and meta-analysis) of interventions studies with GP involvement in falls prevention for community dwelling older people

Abstract

Falls are a significant health problem for the ageing population as health outcomes decline as 30% of people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall annually. Prevention interventions are well established in the literature but falls continue in high numbers in Australia, in line with global trends. General practitioners are well situated to reduce falls for community dwelling older people but research is unclear which interventions are effective in the general practice context. Using a systematic review methodology with meta-analysis this review has addressed the question of which interventions are applicable in the general practice context. This study has identified falls risk screening, medication screening and management, and general practitioner training and education to be effective interventions to reduce falls in older people.