PIT9 IMPACT OF FALLS IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION FOR THE SPANISH NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

Falls in the elderly are associated with high morbidity, diminished quality of life and an increased risk of mortality and constitutes a serious public health concern. Visual impairment is an important risk factor for falls; additional risk factors include older age, previous falls, chronic diseases and multiple medication use. The objective of this research was to estimate the clinical and economic impact of falls on the Spanish population older than 64 years, under the perspective of the Spanish National Health System (NHS), considering a 1-year time horizon. A targeted literature research was performed, with a view to estimating the incidence of falls and their associated clinical consequences in a Spanish context. Furthermore, the main risks factors for falls were assessed. Spanish NHS costs attributable to the clinical consequences of falls were sourced from publically available statistics, as were estimates of the Spanish population >64 years. Considering 8,908,151 people >64 years, the following clinical consequences (number of cases) were identified as the main cost drivers for the NHS: hip fractures (109,205), Colles (52,228), pelvis (18,992), other fractures (37,984), hospital visits (883,136) and ambulatory emergency services (631,490). The overall annual cost for the NHS was estimated as being close to €820 million. One of the most common intrinsic risk factors identified was visual impairment, as well as advanced age, previous falls, select chronic conditions and balance/muscular problems. In addition, several extrinsic factors must be considered, such as slippery surfaces, dim lighting or psychoactive medications. This research highlights that falls in the elderly Spanish population are associated with high morbidity and significant costs, which are estimated here as being close to €820 million annually. While multiple factors are associated with the increased risk of falling in the older population, the evidence suggests visual impairment plays a significant role.