The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall-related injuries in older adults

Am J Public Health. 1992 Jul;82(7):1020-3. doi: 10.2105/ajph.82.7.1020.

Abstract

Using a population-based hospital discharge registry with E codes, we examine the 1989 hospitalizations of older adults in Washington State for fall-related injuries. Fall-related trauma accounted for 5.3% of all hospitalizations of older adults, with hospital charges totaling $53,346,191, and resulted in discharge to nursing care more often than other such hospitalizations. An annual hospitalization rate of 13.5 per 1000 persons and an annual cost of $92 per person is reported. The importance of preventing fall-related injuries in older adults is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / economics
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Hospitalization / economics
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Patient Discharge / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Washington / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / economics
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology