Preventing Falls in Older Adults Post-Fracture Care

Conceptos Básicos

Preventing falls in older adults post-fracture care is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing risks.

Resumen

The article discusses the importance of preventing falls in older adults, particularly focusing on post-fracture care for patients like Ms S. It highlights the comprehensive approach taken by geriatric healthcare providers, emphasizing the "Geriatric 5Ms" principles. The core message revolves around the significance of addressing mobility, medications, mind, multicomplexity, and matters most in geriatric fracture care to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Key Highlights:

• Ms S received specialized care post-hip fracture, including physical therapy, fall risk assessment, and multidisciplinary management.
• The "Geriatric 5Ms" principles are essential for aging patients, focusing on mobility, medications, mind, multicomplexity, and matters most.
• The Cedars-Sinai Geriatric Fracture Program offers comprehensive care, including home modifications and exercise programs.
• Medication management, especially for osteoporosis drugs, plays a crucial role in preventing fractures and improving patient outcomes.
• Shared decision-making and patient education are vital in treatment discussions and goal setting for older adults.

Estadísticas

Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 44 million have low bone density.
Osteoporosis drugs decrease the risk of overall osteoporotic fractures by nearly 40%.
One nonvertebral fracture was avoided for every 100 persons treated with bisphosphonate.
One hip fracture was avoided for every 200 patients treated with bisphosphonate.

Citas

"You have to figure out why they are falling and help them not fall again." - Dr. Sonja Rosen
"A major osteoporotic fracture is akin to a heart attack; it has a very similar 1-year mortality rate and a very similar rate of a subsequent secondary event." - Dr. Cathleen Colon-Emeric
"In general, in persons with a 2-year life expectancy, time to benefit favors bisphosphonate use." - Dr. Sarah Berry

Ideas clave extraídas de

Preventing Breaks and Falls in Older Adults

by Kathleen Doh... a las www.medscape.com 05-15-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/991944

Consultas más profundas

How can healthcare providers address the fear of side effects in older adults when recommending osteoporosis medications?

Healthcare providers can address the fear of side effects in older adults when recommending osteoporosis medications by engaging in shared decision-making with patients. By thoroughly discussing the risks and benefits of treatment options, clinicians can help patients understand the importance of osteoporosis medications in preventing fractures. Providing clear information about the potential side effects, such as esophageal mucosa injury associated with bisphosphonates, and emphasizing the benefits of treatment in reducing fracture risks can help alleviate fears. Additionally, using analogies like comparing a "bone attack" to a heart attack can effectively convey the seriousness of osteoporotic fractures and the necessity of treatment.

What are the potential drawbacks of relying solely on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for treatment decisions?

Relying solely on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for treatment decisions may have potential drawbacks. One drawback is the limited scope of FRAX in considering individual patient characteristics and preferences. FRAX estimates fracture risk based on certain factors like age, sex, weight, and bone mineral density, but it may not account for other important variables that could influence fracture risk, such as lifestyle factors, comorbidities, or medication use. Additionally, incorporating race into FRAX calculations may present challenges due to outdated data and variations in bone density among different racial and ethnic groups. Clinicians should exercise caution in interpreting FRAX results and consider a holistic approach to treatment decisions that takes into account the individual patient's unique circumstances.

How can community support programs further enhance the outcomes of geriatric fracture patients beyond clinical interventions?

Community support programs can further enhance the outcomes of geriatric fracture patients beyond clinical interventions by providing a holistic approach to care that addresses social and emotional needs. These programs can offer opportunities for social engagement, physical activity, and emotional support, which are essential for the overall well-being of older adults recovering from fractures. By participating in community exercise classes or support groups, patients can combat loneliness, improve their mental health, and regain confidence in their mobility. Additionally, community programs can help patients transition back into their daily lives by offering practical assistance, such as home modifications or transportation services. By integrating community support into the care plan, geriatric fracture patients can experience improved outcomes, reduced isolation, and a higher quality of life during their recovery journey.