Falls management framework for supporting an independent lifestyle for older adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Falls are one of the common health and well-being issues among the older adults. Internet of things (IoT)-based health monitoring systems have been developed over the past two decades for improving healthcare services for older adults to support an independent lifestyle. This research systematically reviews technological applications related to falls detection and falls management. The systematic review was conducted in accordance to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA). Twenty-four studies out of 806 articles published between 2015 and 2017 were identified and included in this review. Selected studies were related to pre-fall and post-fall applications using motion sensors (10; 41.67%), environment sensors (10; 41.67%) and few studies used the combination of these types of sensors (4; 16.67%). As an outcome of this review, we postulated a falls management framework (FMF). FMF considered pre- and post-fall strategies to support older adults live independently. A part of this approach involved active analysis of sensor data with the aim of helping the older adults manage their risk of fall and stay safe in their home. FMF aimed to serve the researchers, developers, clinicians and policy makers with pre- and post-falls management strategies to enhance the older adults' independent living and well-being.

Keywords: Falls detection; Falls management; Falls management framework and older adult falls; Falls prediction; Falls prevention; Internet of things (IoT).