Computerised red carpet treatment in NSW reduces falls
Nepean Hospital in New South Wales (NSW) is the only hospital in Australia and one of only five major centres in the world offering a unique new balance retraining technique to prevent falls in older people.
The Nepean Falls and Fracture Clinic has helped 130 patients since opening in October 2008. NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr Andrew McDonald, said the burden from fall related harm among older people will grow unless action is taken.
“Without preventive action, the health system costs from fall injury are likely to show a dramatic escalation due to the expected large increase in the number of older people in NSW in upcoming years,” he said.
“A recent study conducted for NSW Health revealed the current estimate of direct lifetime treatment costs for falls and fractures in the 2006/2007 financial year was $579.3 million, which is two and a half times a previous estimate for 1998/99 of $224.7 million,” he said.
Associate Professor Gustavo Duque, director of Falls and Fracture Clinic said 38% of patients who attend the clinic have a balance problem.
“23% of people don’t realise that they have a problem or that it is increasing their risk of falling.”
To reduce patients’ risk of falling, the Falls and Fracture Clinic at Nepean Hospital has implemented a new balance retraining program. The clinic has reported that within a year after using this balance retraining system their clients have reduced their risk of falling by 62%.
“The balance retraining program aims to reduce the number of patients who fall mainly from feeling dizzy. Usually the ear, eyes and brain are well coordinated to maintain balance and prevent dizziness. With aging and some medical problems, this system loses this capacity and people are prone to falling.
“The balance retraining program re-establishes the communication between the ears, eyes and the brain, therefore correcting dizziness and reducing the risk of falling,” Professor Duque said.
The Nepean Falls and Fracture Clinic treats patients over the age of 70 who have suffered from falls and/or fractures.
For further information about the clinic, call (02) 4734 4278.
