Outcomes of a consult fall prevention screening clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To report patient satisfaction and quality outcomes from a standardized, multicenter fall prevention screening clinic.


METHODS
Referrals were made to the fall prevention screening clinic, which was staffed by a physician, pharmacist, therapist, nurse, and the site coordinator. The fall prevention screening clinic staff utilized a team-meeting format with clearly delineated management options to determine the appropriate interventions based on various screening examinations.


RESULTS
Primary care providers acknowledged pharmacy recommendations and >80% of the recommendations were followed. There was a reduction in reported falls (initial visit = 297 falls, follow-up visit = 141 falls, P = 0.0002) and in the number of recurrent fallers. There was a small (average difference = 1.8 secs) but significant (P = 0.025) decrease in the 8-foot Up-and-Go time, representing a functional improvement in walking speed. There was no significant change in the Fall Efficacy Scale, however. At least 80% of the patients reported that they were completely satisfied with their care.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who attended the fall prevention screening clinic demonstrated improved confidence during activities of daily living and reduced falls. They reported high satisfaction with the clinic format.
Perell
Karen L
KL
California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California 92834, USA.
Manzano
Maria Lyn P
ML
Weaver
Robert
R
Fiuzat
Mona
M
Voss-McCarthy
Michelle
M
Opava-Rutter
Dorene
D
Castle
Steven C
SC
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control