Outcomes of usual versus a specialized falls and balance program in the home

Home Healthc Now. 2015 May;33(5):265-74. doi: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000000232.

Abstract

A retrospective cohort study with adjustment for baseline group differences was conducted to determine if there was a difference in Outcome and Information Data Set (OASIS-C) activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes as well as the duration and number of home care visits between usual home care rehabilitation services and a home care rehabilitation team that was specially trained in falls identification and prevention. Data from adult Medicare beneficiaries who were treated in a large multistate home care practice with at least one visit by a physical therapist were retrieved retrospectively for analysis (n = 3,907 records). Patients identified as having multiple fall risk factors based on OASIS-C assessment undergoing a specialized care program demonstrated greater improvements in mean total ADL scores after home healthcare rehabilitation services compared with subjects at fall risk receiving usual care. Interdisciplinary care delivered by a healthcare team specially trained in fall prevention appeared to decrease the number of home care visits and resulted in improved ADL OASIS-C outcome scores after adjustment for potential confounders.

MeSH terms

  • Accident Prevention / methods*
  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicare
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Postural Balance*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • United States