Abstract

Prevention and management of falls: falling into place?

Author(s): Cameron G Swift

This article reviews the broad international status of falls prevention research and evidence-based guidance, and highlights the apparent discrepancy between information and implementation, with an emphasis on the need for delivery systems. The case is made for the dissemination of a broader concept of the phenomenon of age-associated falls, for its outworking in the resolution of outstanding research topics and, in particular, for the achievement of a robust, networked, economical service delivery model to drive standards forward. The current window of opportunity for progress in falls prevention may prove crucial to the future of cost–effective healthcare in the context of demographic change.