The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly advocates exercise interventions as a primary measure to prevent falls among community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older with an elevated risk of falling. Additionally, the USPSTF suggests that clinicians tailor the decision to provide multifactorial interventions for fall prevention to this same demographic group. The recommendation underscores the importance of considering individual circumstances, including the frequency of prior falls, the presence of concurrent medical conditions, and the patient’s values and preferences when evaluating the appropriateness of such interventions.
Existing evidence highlights that while multifactorial interventions for fall prevention offer some benefits, the overall net benefit remains modest. Therefore, patients, as active participants in their healthcare, and healthcare providers should carefully weigh the potential advantages and drawbacks before opting for these interventions. Factors such as the severity and frequency of previous falls, chronic health conditions, and the patient’s unique preferences should guide decisions about implementing multifactorial fall prevention strategies.
Falls represent a significant public health concern among older adults in the United States, contributing significantly to injury-related morbidity and mortality. Given this impact, the USPSTF continuously evaluates and updates its recommendations regarding the effectiveness of preventive healthcare services. This latest recommendation, replacing the 2018 guideline, reflects the Task Force’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of preventive care for older adults at risk of falls.
More information: Wanda K. Nicholson et al, Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults, JAMA. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.8481
Journal information: JAMA Provided by JAMA Network
