Irish medical journal
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A fall prevention programme for older long-stay patients in a 95 bedded District Hospital was undertaken. Data on falls and resulting injuries for the year prior to the intervention were compared with equivalent data after one year (Year 1) and after two years (Year 2) of the intervention. In the pre-intervention year 25% of patients had at least one fall compared with 20.9% and 17.4% in Year 1 and Year 2 respectively. ⋯ The effect of the intervention escalated in Year 2. The intervention cost IR4,800 pounds. Fall prevention should be part of the routine care of older people in all types of long stay care.
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Irish medical journal · Jun 2001
Comparative StudyThe effects of age on accident severity and outcome in Irish road traffic accident patients.
Road traffic accidents (RTA's) are the leading cause of fatal trauma in Ireland. Although older drivers are the safest group of drivers in the population, once involved in a crash they are more likely to sustain a severe injury or death. The experiences of Irish elderly RTA victims has not been previously documented. ⋯ Less elderly were discharged directly to home (p<0.001). Strategies to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with RTA in the elderly should emphasise a) older pedestrians during daytime hours, b) attention to safety in public transport. Treatment must ensure adequate medical and therapist input to anticipate higher complication rates.