The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall-related injuries in older adults.
Using a population-based hospital discharge registry with E codes, we examine the 1989 hospitalizations of older adults in Washington State for fall-related injuries. Fall-related trauma accounted for 5.3% of all hospitalizations of older adults, with hospital charges totaling $53,346,191, and resulted in discharge to nursing care more often than other such hospitalizations. An annual hospitalization rate of 13.5 per 1000 persons and an annual cost of $92 per person is reported. The importance of preventing fall-related injuries in older adults is discussed.
Alexander
B H
BH
Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
Rivara
F P
FP
Wolf
M E
ME
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology