title: [Can we prevent falls in the elderly from primary care?].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effectiveness of multifactorial intervention by Primary Care in the prevention of falls in the elderly who had fallen the year before.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention study with a control group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three clinics in a rural area.
  
  
  METHODS
  224 patients > or = 65 years, independent for mobility (113 in the intervention (IG) and 111 in the control (GC) group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention Group.
  
  
  METHODS
  1) Demographic data questionnaire, number, circumstances and consequences of falls, comorbidity and drugs. 2) Oriented examination. 3) Home risks assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  referred to cardiology if arrhythmia or bradycardia, referred for eye examination if changes in acute vision, recommendation for systems support if gait or balance problems, postural measures if orthostatic hypotension, behavioural measures in urinary incontinence and recommendations to modify home risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire on: demographic data, number, circumstances and consequences of falls and medication use. They received normal medical care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At one year 44% of the IG and 33% in the CG fell again (P=0.123). In the sub-group with more than one fall at the beginning of the study, 63% in the IG, and 56% in CG fell again (P=0.599). There were serious consequences in 6% of the IG compared to 14% in the CG (P=0.277).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multifactorial intervention from primary care is not effective in reducing falls or for reducing the severity of their consequences.
authors: Consultorio de El Escobonal (ZBS Güimar), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España.
authors: Jesús
authors: J
authors: Gobierno Hernández
authors: María Ofelia
authors: MO
authors: Pérez de Las Casas
authors: María Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Madan Pérez
authors: Desiree
authors: D
authors: Baute Díaz
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Manzaneque Lara
authors: Santiago
authors: S
authors: Domínguez Coello
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires