Outcomes of usual versus a specialized falls and balance program in the home.
A retrospective cohort study with adjustment for baseline group differences was conducted to determine if there was a difference in Outcome and Information Data Set (OASIS-C) activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes as well as the duration and number of home care visits between usual home care rehabilitation services and a home care rehabilitation team that was specially trained in falls identification and prevention. Data from adult Medicare beneficiaries who were treated in a large multistate home care practice with at least one visit by a physical therapist were retrieved retrospectively for analysis (n = 3,907 records). Patients identified as having multiple fall risk factors based on OASIS-C assessment undergoing a specialized care program demonstrated greater improvements in mean total ADL scores after home healthcare rehabilitation services compared with subjects at fall risk receiving usual care. Interdisciplinary care delivered by a healthcare team specially trained in fall prevention appeared to decrease the number of home care visits and resulted in improved ADL OASIS-C outcome scores after adjustment for potential confounders.
Susan L. Whitney, PT, PhD, NCS, ATC, FAPTA, is a professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Rehabilitation Research Chair, Department of Rehab Science, College of Allied Medical Sciences, King Saud University. Gregory F. Marchetti, PT, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Duquesne University, Department of Physical Therapy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jennifer L. Ellis, PT, DPT, MS, is a National Director, Neurologic Specialties, Gentiva Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana. Laurie Otis, PT, MBA, MHA, is a National Clinical Specialist, Neurologic Specialties, Gentiva Corporation, Fort Myers, Florida.
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D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D004856:Postural Balance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States