Assessment and prevention of falls in older people

Abstract

In June 2013 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence updated and replaced its 2004 clinical guideline 21 (CG21) on falls with clinical guideline 161 (CG161). Two priorities were outlined in the latter: preventing falls in older people (unchanged from CG21) and preventing falls in older people during a hospital stay (new). CG161 is for health and social care clinicians who care for older people who have fallen or who are at risk of falling. It provides clinicians and commissioners with evidence to implement effective care pathways and recommendations on the assessment and prevention of falls in older people. The amalgamation of the two guidelines has resulted in some disconnection. This article summarises the evidence and supports clinicians in the interpretation of the revised falls guideline.

Keywords: Falls; falls assessment; falls clinical guidelines; falls prevention; inpatient care.