3628 The use of assistive technology to reduce harm from falls—a service evaluation of patients admitted with a fall

Crudge, R., Bailey, S., Rallan, R. and Patel, Martyn (2026) 3628 The use of assistive technology to reduce harm from falls—a service evaluation of patients admitted with a fall. Age and Ageing, 55 (Supplement_1). ISSN 0002-0729

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Abstract

Introduction: The risk of future falls in frail older adults who have fallen once remains high. Therefore, falls harm mitigation strategies are important for falls patients admitted to acute geriatric medicine care. How often Assistive Technology (AT) is offered in this regard is not known. Method: A two-part Service Evaluation, Information Governance department approved. 1. Case note audit. Patients admitted to our department with a fall between 1st Sept—30th Nov 2024. 2. 10 patient questionnaires about AT, completed during admission for a fall (May 2025). Results: Audit—112 returned cases, after exclusions, 81 included (4—national data opt out, 16—fall not primary complaint, 1—not under geriatrician, 10—not admitted). Female 47/81 (58%). Average age 87, average Clinical Frailty Score 5.7. Dementia diagnosis prior to admission—24 (30%). Previous fall related admission 26 (32%). Documented ‘has’ falls AT already—25 (30%) and ‘does not have’—10 (17%). No documentation on presence/absence of AT in 46 (57%) of cases. Onward referral for AT by Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist in 35 (43%). Referral declined 2 (2%). Questionnaire—Average age—84. Female—4 (40%). 6 had previous fall warranting admission. 7 had existing AT. 2 used pendant during this fall, 4 weren’t wearing it, 1—family were present. Use of AT/family present associated with shorter waiting time for assistance (2.5 vs 4.1 hrs). 7 said they would ‘definitely use’ AT in the future. 7 said they would ‘feel safer’ with AT at home. Conclusion: Existing use of AT for falls is prevalent but not reliably documented at hospital admission. A high percentage of eligible patients are offered future AT. Patients who use AT have shorter waits for emergency assistance. Patients are generally receptive to the idea of using AT after a falls admission.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2026 10:37
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2026 10:37
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101864
DOI:	10.1093/ageing/afaf368.061

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