Predictors of long-term function in older community-dwelling people who have presented to an emergency department after a fall: A cohort study

Abstract

Aim: To identify factors predictive of function 12 months after a fall and emergency department (ED) presentation. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study with 608 older people who had a fall. After presentation and discharge from the ED, a baseline assessment was initially undertaken and then repeated after 12 months. The Human Activity Profile Adjusted Activity Score (HAP-AAS) at the 12-month follow-up assessment was the functional outcome measure. Results: Over the follow-up period, 37.3% (95% CI 33.4, 41.2) of participants declined in their HAP-AAS score. Increased age, pre-index fall functional impairment, poorer mobility/balance, and sustaining falls and severe injuries over the 1..