Study: Patient fall history can help predict future bone fractures

A patient’s history of falls can be helpful in predicting the risk of future bone fractures independent of other clinical concerns such as bone density, according to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

Advertisement

For the study, researchers examined the outcomes of three cohorts from previous studies comprised of 4,365 men from United States, 1,823 men from Sweden and 1,669 men from Hong Kong. Participants’ average age ranged from 72.4 to 75.4 years. Researchers enrolled participants between 2000 and 2004, and followed them for an average 8.7 to 10.8 years.

After adjusting the analysis of outcomes to account for results from the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and bone density assessments, previous falls were still associated with a 63 to 71 percent increased risk of a new fracture.

“Whilst the predictive value of falls for future fracture is well-established, these new findings … inform approaches to clinical fracture risk assessment, demonstrating that the fracture risk associated with prior falls is relevant over and above the risk identified by the current global standard approach of FRAX and bone mineral density,” said Nicholas Harvey, PhD, a professor with the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

More articles on quality: 
Woman sues California hospital, claims physicians left 8-inch forceps inside her after surgery 
Oregon VA hospital allegedly turned patients away to increase quality rating: 6 things to know 
Study: 3 best practices for improving patient safety culture

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.