Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

Benefits of home visits for falls and autonomy in the elderly: a randomized trial study
Pardessus V, Puisieux F, di Pompeo C, Gaudefroy C, Thevenon A, Dewailly P
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2002 Apr;81(4):247-252
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether home visits by a occupational therapist reduces the risk of falling and improves the autonomy of older patients hospitalized for falling. DESIGN: In this randomized, controlled trial set in a geriatric hospital, 60 patients (mean age 83.5 yr) who were hospitalized for falling were recruited from the acute medicine department. A home visit from an occupational therapist and an ergotherapist assessed patients' homes for environmental hazards and recommended modifications. The outcomes measured were falls, autonomy, hospitalization for falling, institutionalization, and death. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the rate of falls, hospitalization for falls, institutionalization, and death were not significantly different between the two groups. Both groups had a loss of dependence at 12 mo. This loss of dependence was significant in the control group but not in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Home visits from occupational therapists during hospitalization of older patients at risk for falling can help to preserve the patient's autonomy.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help