Survey Results
We gathered on practices, policies and priorities in fall injury prevention over a six month period.
Sign-up eNews Now!
Receive the updates via our eNewsletter. Just fill in your details below;
Organised by:
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Funded by:
Australian
Government Department of Health and Ageing
2005 Update
The Falls prevention program aim is to raise awareness of Falls Prevention. Web based information and interaction allows all health professionals and interested members of the public to freely access relevant information, as well as participate in the project through online discussion. We aim to make this website a central location for all your needs.
Discussion Forum
One of the key features of this website is the discussion forum. The key function is to allow participants to discuss ideas, the latest techniques or issues relating to falls prevention with their peers. We encourage everyone to register and participate.
Impact of Falls
Prevention of falls and falls injury in older persons is a major public health issue. It is the leading cause of disability, declining quality of life and death in older persons.
In as many as 1000 people (aged 65 years and older) die each year from accidental falls in Australia, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. In 1998 there were over 45,000 hospitalisations due to fall related injuries. The cost of health services for falls that year has been estimated at $804 million.
The expected change in demographics and trend in fall injury profiles will continue to increase the demand for services and double health costs due to falls.
Policy Statement on Falls Injury Prevention
In August 2003 the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) endorsed a position statement on pro-active approach to falls injury and the need to keep informed about risk factors and therapeutic interventions. Visit the RACP website to read the Policy Statement on Falls Injury Prevention.
