Systematic review of non-transportation rates and outcomes for older people who have fallen after ambulance service call-out

A. Stefanie Mikolaizak, Paul M. Simpson, Anne Tiedemann, Stephen R. Lord, Jacqueline C. T. Close

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Aim: To review the evidence regarding non-transported older people who have fallen in relation to non-transportation rates, outcomes and impact of alternate care pathways. Method: Electronic databases and reference lists of included studies (up to December 2011) were systematically searched. Studies were eligible if they included data on non-transportation rates, information on outcomes or alternate care pathways for older people who have fallen. Results: Twelve studies were included. Non-transportation rates following a fall ranged from 11% to 56%. Up to 49% of non-transported people who have fallen had unplanned health-care contact within 28 days of the initial incident. Attendance by specially trained paramedics and individualised multifactorial interventions significantly reduced adverse events including subsequent falls, emergency ambulance calls, emergency department attendance and hospital admission. Conclusion: Limited but promising evidence shows that appropriate interventions can improve health outcomes of non-transported older people who have fallen. Further studies are needed to explore alternate care pathways and promote more efficient use of health services.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)147-157
    Number of pages11
    JournalAustralasian Journal on Ageing
    Volume32
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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