Falls in accident and emergency departments.
BACKGROUND
The records of 192 attendees at an accident and emergency department was audited. The aim of the audit was to identify the type of client at risk of falling, demography, fall events and medication history.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to assessment and treatment of older people could greatly reduce the occurrence of falling in these at-risk clients.
Reeson
C
C
Tameside General Hospital, Lancashire. Carol.Reeson@exchange.tgcps-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Wafer
M
M
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000592:standards*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008487:Medical History Taking; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution