New CSP briefing shows physiotherapy and a community approach reduce falls

This is the message in a new evidence-based clinical briefing launched today.

Physiotherapy works for falls: a community approach was developed by the CSP in partnership with Agile, the professional network for physiotherapists working with older people.

It highlights how a multifactorial approach to falls assessments and prevention, which includes physiotherapy, can reduce falls in older people.

Evidence included in the briefing shows that

• Providing multifactorial falls risk assessments can reduce falls by up to 24 per cent
• Using evidence-based exercise programmes, which involve strength, balance and functional exercises, can lead to up a 34 per cent reduction in the rate of falls

An important influencing tool

As well as providing quick reference data for physio staff the briefing is also designed to help make the case for a multifactorial approach to falls prevention to GPs and health commissioners.

Kate Bennett, chair of Agile, said: 'The importance of producing, and using, documents like this cannot be underestimated when it comes to influencing commissioners and key decision makers around creating effective services that meet public need regarding falls prevention.

The evidence provided in the briefing is key to making the case for effective service provision.

The briefing is short and easy to read, explains the key issues about falls prevention, provides vital evidence and relevant statistics and offers clear examples, which demonstrate the beneficial use of physiotherapy services.

It also explains the clinical and cost effectiveness of a multifactorial approach, which includes physiotherapy, and the clear benefits it provides to falls patients.