Improving Primary Care Fall Risk Management: Adoption of Practice Changes After a Geriatric Mini-Fellowship

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2020

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Outcomes

Keywords

oregon; portland

Abstract

Background: Approximately 51 million adults in the United States are 65 years of age or older, yet few geriatric-trained primary care providers (PCP) serve this population. The Age-Friendly Health System framework, consisting of evidence-based 4M care (Mobility, Medication, Mentation, and what Matters), encourages all PCPs to assess mobility in older adults.

Objective: To improve PCP knowledge, confidence, and clinical practice in assessing and managing fall risk.

Methods: A 1-week educational session focusing on mobility (part of a 4-week Geriatric Mini-Fellowship) for 6 selected PCPs from a large health care system was conducted to increase knowledge and ability to address fall risk in older adults. The week included learning and practicing a Fall Risk Management Plan (FRMP) algorithm, including planning for their own practice changes. Pre- and post-test surveys assessed changes in knowledge and confidence. Patient data were compared 12 months before and after training to evaluate PCP adoption of FRMP

Department

Geriatrics

Department

Primary Care


Share

COinS