Physical and Occupational Therapist Evaluations for Fall Prevention in the Emergency Department: A Geriatric ED Guidelines 2.0 Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Older adults are at high risk for severe injuries and death from falls. Physical therapist (PT) and occupational therapist (OT) evaluations have been introduced into Emergency Department (ED) care to assist with fall risk evaluation and fall prevention care. An evaluation of current evidence was undertaken to inform the Geriatric ED Guidelines 2.0.

Methods

Systematic review of physical and/or occupational therapy evaluation for fall prevention in the ED. The intervention was evaluation by a rehabilitation therapist (PT, OT, or both) for fall prevention, fall assessment, or mitigation of fall risk factors. Studies that did not perform the evaluation during the ED or ED Observation Unit visit were excluded, such as referrals for home consultation. The published lite

SUBMITTER: Southerland LT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12937041 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature