Geriatric hospitalizations due to fall-related injuries

Fall is a preventable condition associated with disability and mortality in elders. The overall data regarding admission rates and its impact in Thai elderly are lacking.To identify admission, mortality rates of older persons with fall, its causes and consequences.Information on illness of inpatients and casualties came from hospitals nationwide and from hospital withdrawals from the 3 health insurance schemes in fiscal 2010. The data included 96% of the population. The data were analyzed by age groups in older patients with fall.There were 311,132 falls of all admissions; accounting for admission and mortality rates of 423.4 and 11.1/100,000 older persons. The number rose with age. Slipping, tripping were the major causes. The average length of stay (LOS) of fallers with and without fractures was 8.1 and 6.4 days. The average hospital costs in these same groups were 25,728 and 19,419.3 Baht.The increasing age is related to an increased admission and mortality rates of fall. Slipping, tripping was the frequent causes. Greater LOS and hospital charges were found in fallers with fractures. Allied-healthcare workers should routinely implement a fall assessment and educate modifiable factors to elders to prevent future fall.