Falls

Healthy People
Difficulties in Daily Life
Ageing Well
Ageing
Older Age
Ageing Population
Quality of Life
Elderly Care
Long-Term Care
Falls

introduction Introduction

Falls are an unintentional event where a person comes to rest on the ground or another lower level, excluding intentional self-harm or falls due to major acute medical events (such as seizures or strokes). Falls can occur in various settings, including homes, workplaces, public spaces, and healthcare facilities.

Falls are a significant population health concern, particularly among older adults, but they can affect people of all ages. They can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises and sprains to more severe consequences such as fractures, head injuries, and even death. Falls can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical health, functional abilities, and overall quality of life.

Certain risk factors contribute to the occurrence of falls, including advanced age, muscle weakness, balance and gait impairments, chronic health conditions (e.g. osteoporosis, vision problems), environmental hazards (e.g., slippery floors, inadequate lighting), and medication use. Falls can also be influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and inadequate access to healthcare and preventative services.

Preventing falls requires a multifaceted approach, involving population health strategies such as raising awareness, promoting physical activity and exercise, ensuring safe environments (both indoors and outdoors), and optimising healthcare systems to identify and manage fall risks among individuals. Interventions may include exercise programmes to improve strength and balance, home modifications to reduce hazards, medication reviews, and regular vision checks.

By understanding the nature and impact of falls, population health efforts can be directed toward preventing falls, minimising injuries, and promoting the wellbeing and independence of individuals across the Derbyshire population.

why is it important to population health Why is it important to Population Health?

Falls are important to population health for several reasons:

High Prevalence and Impact: Falls are a common occurrence and can have significant consequences. They are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations, accident and emergency department visits, and even deaths, particularly among older adults. By addressing falls, population health initiatives can reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems, improve outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for individuals.

Population Health and Ageing: As the UK population continues to age, the impact of falls becomes increasingly significant. Older adults are more susceptible to falls due to age-related changes, chronic conditions, and other risk factors. By focusing on falls prevention, population health efforts can help older adults maintain their independence, reduce disability, and enhance healthy ageing.

Economic Implications: Falls have substantial economic implications for individuals, families, and society as a whole. The costs associated with fall-related injuries, including the costs to the NHS, rehabilitation, long-term care, and productivity losses, are substantial. Public health interventions aimed at preventing falls can help reduce healthcare costs and alleviate the financial burden on individuals and society.

Quality of Life: Falls can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. They can result in pain, physical limitations, fear of falling, reduced mobility, loss of independence, and decreased social engagement. By addressing falls through population health initiatives, the goal is to prevent injuries, promote active and healthy living, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Prevention and Promotion: Falls are often preventable through evidence-informed interventions. Population health plays a vital role in promoting awareness, disseminating information, and implementing strategies that reduce fall risks, such as exercise programmes, environmental modifications, and medication management. By emphasising prevention, population health efforts can empower individuals, communities, and healthcare systems to take proactive measures in reducing falls and their associated consequences.

Overall, falls are important to population health because they represent a significant population health challenge that affects individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. By addressing falls comprehensively, population health initiatives can improve population health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and reduce the burden on individuals and society.

the derbyshire population approach The Derbyshire Population Health Approach

The Derbyshire Population Health Approach focuses on prevention, population health, evidence-informed practices, causes, and collaboration. It emphasises proactive measures to prevent health issues, tailors interventions to specific populations, incorporates evidence-informed practices, addresses underlying causes, and promotes collaboration for effective action.

When considering the topic of falls within The Derbyshire Population Health Approach:

Falls prevention efforts in population health involve implementing strategies to raise awareness about fall risks, promoting education and training on fall prevention measures, conducting falls prevention programmes and campaigns, and implementing environmental modifications to reduce hazards.

Taking a population-centred approach to falls, population health professionals identify high-risk populations, such as older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions, or specific community settings where falls are more prevalent. Targeted interventions can be developed to address the specific needs of these populations.

Population health practitioners rely on evidence-informed practices when it comes to falls prevention. They utilise research and data to identify effective interventions, evaluate the impact of different falls prevention programmes, and implement evidence-informed guidelines for healthcare providers and community organisations.

Falls prevention efforts in population health focus on understanding the causes and risk factors associated with falls. This includes studying environmental hazards, medication side effects, chronic health conditions, balance and mobility issues, and socio-economic factors that contribute to falls. Addressing these causes involves implementing interventions to mitigate risks and promote safer environments.

Collaboration is essential in the population health approach to falls prevention. Population health professionals collaborate with healthcare providers, community organisations, local authorities, and other stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies, share resources and expertise, and ensure a comprehensive and multi-sectorial approach to falls prevention. By incorporating falls into the population health approach model, population health practitioners can implement targeted prevention strategies, address the underlying causes of falls, and foster collaboration to reduce fall-related injuries and promote healthier communities.

latest derbyshire data Latest Derbyshire Data

In 2021/22 across Derbyshire there were 3,720 falls in people aged over 65 years, a rate 2,175 of per 100,000. This rate was significantly higher than the England rate (2,100).

Trend data

No trend data currently available

Derbyshire Quilt

Prevalence Maps of Derbyshire

The maps below illustrate Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) and Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) for Derbyshire. LSOAs and MSOAs are geographical divisions used for statistical purposes, allowing for more detailed analysis of local data. In these maps, you can explore various health indicators and data for Derbyshire, providing valuable insights into the area’s health and wellbeing.

In the top right of the map, you’ll find the ‘Layer Control’ icon. This is an easy way to customise what you see on the map visualisation. Click the ‘Layer Control’ to choose which information is displayed on the map. Pick the indicator that interests you the most, and the map will transform accordingly.

Slope Index

This chart illustrates the differences in health and lifestyle factors across areas in Derbyshire, from the most deprived (decile 1, red) to the least deprived (decile 10, green). As you move from left to right on the chart (from more deprived to less deprived areas), the line shows whether these factors are becoming more or less common. Essentially, it’s a way to see how living in wealthier or poorer areas affects the prevalence of these factors.

further analysis and assessments Further Analysis & Assessments

Derbyshire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) involves a thorough examination of a specific health problem, exploring its causes, consequences, and underlying factors. It combines various data sources, collaboration with stakeholders, and rigorous analysis to generate insights for evidence-informed interventions and policy changes.

more information and resources More Information & Resources

Below is a list of resources and comprehensive information to provide valuable support, education, and guidance on falls, equipping individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities with the tools and knowledge needed to prevent falls, minimise injuries, and promote healthy and independent living.

Contributors

Caroline Waller, Advanced Public Health Practitioner, Healthcare Public Health