UCLA doctor to lead major trial to prevent fall-related injuries among older people

This study will develop and test a new approach to ensure that patients at risk of falling are participants in determining what falls-prevention care is right for them and ensuring that they get that care.” The study’s approach differs from others in that it will integrate proven fall-reduction strategies into a cohesive intervention that can be adopted by many health care systems. “This collaboration with PCORI exemplifies our efforts to go beyond the norms to solve the nation’s health issues,” said Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of the NIH. “The problems we face are complex and therefore require thoughtful and complex solutions. I am hopeful this initiative will greatly improve the lives of those most at risk for falls.” Previous studies have analyzed risk factors for falls and injuries from falls, along with interventions to prevent them. But the best evidence about how to reduce falls has not been broadly applied, and attempts to change physicians' behavior concerning falls through conventional medical education channels and other methods have not been very effective. Patients and other stakeholders generally have not been partners in the research process and, as a result, not fully engaged. “With this trial, we will be able to evaluate interventions on a comprehensive and very large scale,” said Dr. Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). “This study will focus on people at increased risk for injuries from falls; the specif...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news