Fall assessment
Falls are common amongst older people: every year, nearly 33 per cent of all older people living at home fall. This can lead to health problems. This is because falls can lead to injury, illness, death and high healthcare costs. That is why it is important to identify and treat people at increased risk of falling in good time.
There is growing evidence that foot problems are linked to falls. Examples of such foot problems include foot pain, misalignment of the toes or reduced sensation in the feet. A podiatrist can help with this.
Clinical model
To help podiatrists identify patients at increased risk of falling, we have developed a clinical model within Rondom. This model has been validated internally. This means that the model works well in our practice. The model is intended for older people living at home who visit the podiatrist.
Our research shows that the model is easy to use in podiatry practice. The model helps the podiatrist to focus on four specific areas:
- Previous falls
- A sense of instability
- Running speed
- Muscle strength of the toes
Using these four factors, the model, in conjunction with the podiatrist, can predict whether someone has an increased risk of falling within twelve months.
Explore study
Further research is needed before the model can be used with sufficient confidence in everyday practice. That is why the EXPLORE study has been launched. EXPLORE stands for External validation of a prediction model for falls in community-dwelling older adults in podiatry practices. In this study, we are investigating whether the model also works well in other practices.
The EXPLORE study is a multicentre observational cohort study. This means that several podiatry practices are taking part, and that a group of participants is being monitored over a longer period. Among others, practices affiliated with De Loopzorg Alliantie are participating in the study. These practices carry out the initial assessment. Rondom Podotherapeuten (part of Rondom) then carries out the follow-up measurements. Because different practices are taking part and carrying out the same measurements, we can better assess whether the model also works reliably outside our own organisation.
The study is 45 per cent funded by the Dutch Association of Podotherapists (NVvP).
Want to know more?
Would you like to read more about the fall study and its findings? Below are some useful links:
- Scientific publication (2022) Here you can read the full study and its results.
