BMJ  2004;328 (20 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7441.0-d

Preventing falls makes hospital stay safer

A multiple intervention programme to prevent falls can make in-hospital stay safer for patients. Haines and colleagues (p 676) randomised 626 men and women (mean age 80) to the intervention, consisting of an information brochure, an exercise and education programme, and a hip protector, or to standard care. They found that participants in the programme had 30% fewer falls; more didn't fall at all; and injuries from falls were less common. Reducing falls in elderly patients admitted to hospital will benefit the patients and reduce additional costs, say the authors. In an accompanying editorial (p 653), Gillespie highlights the impact of falling on the quality of people's lives, especially the psychological issues related to the fear of falling and self imposed restriction of activity, and she reflects on the potential dangers associated with a risk management culture.

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