CONCLUSION

Balance-related falls are a significant cause of injury-related mortality and disability, especially in older and/or otherwise compromised populations, and can significantly impact the quality of life of affected individuals and their loved ones. Preventable falls place a costly financial burden on healthcare systems, and effective prevention strategies and protocols are of high priority for clinicians and healthcare institutions wishing to provide the best quality of patient/client care and to mitigate potential consequences of preventable fall-related injuries.

The successful management of fall-related injuries and the prevention of additional falls require strong collaboration among the multidisciplinary healthcare team as well as the patient/client and family. A careful and detailed patient history and a comprehensive physical examination are key components to effectively identifying and addressing balance deficits and other risk factors that may lead to preventable falls. There are a number of evidence-based, standardized assessment tools used by clinicians to determine a patient’s risk of falling so that appropriate preventive measures may be undertaken. Home safety assessments may provide valuable additional information regarding environmental factors that can be modified to improve patient safety in their home setting.

By understanding the primary risks and causes of falls, together with the numerous medical conditions and environmental factors that can adversely affect balance, healthcare professionals work collaboratively with one another and patients and their caregivers to provide effective clinical and rehabilitative interventions and preventive measures. Both individual and institutional strategies may be employed to minimize the risk of preventable falls, thereby creating a safer environment for patients and clinicians alike.