Falls Related Hospitalisations in the Te Manawa Taki Region
Authors List
Christey, G., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato & Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand
Soysa, I., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Simpkins, C., University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences Birmingham, UK
Smith, A., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Introduction
Fall‑related injuries (FRIs) are a significant source of death and disability across the globe and in NZ (Haagsma et al. 2013; SA 2015). Despite the high incidence, this is the first study examining the characteristics of patients of all age group and severities that were admitted to NZ hospitals following falls at home over an 11-year period.
Aims
To characterise the incidence and characteristics of fall-related injuries at home resulting in hospital inpatient treatment in the Te Manawa Taki (TMT) region.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of TMT Trauma Registry data between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2022 was conducted. Eligible patients were TMT residents hospitalised with an injury related to falls at home.
Results
Of all patients (13,142), majority (12437) were classify as non-major trauma. There were statistically significant relationship between gender, ethnicity and district, and Injury Severity Score category. There were two distinctive age band incidence peaks: 00-09 years and 60+ years. Males were more likely to sustain major trauma. The most common cause was fall on the same level from slipping, tripping, and stumbling. The average length of stay per event was 5.5 days. The average cost was NZ$ 9,792 per event.
Conclusion
The number of incidence and related costs represent a significant burden on the health system. In-depth analysis of causative factors will help targeting of prevention strategies to address high‑risk activities and demographic groups.
References
1. Haagsma JA, Graetz N, Bolliger I, Naghavi M, Higashi H, Mullany EC, et al.( 2016). The global burden of injury: incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and time trends from the Global Burden of Disease study 2013. Inj Prev, 22(1):3-18.
2. Safekids Aotearoa. (2015). Child Unintentional Deaths and Injuries in New Zealand, and Prevention Strategies. Auckland, New Zealand: Safekids Aotearoa.
Christey, G., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato & Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand
Soysa, I., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Simpkins, C., University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences Birmingham, UK
Smith, A., Te Manawa Taki Trauma System, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Introduction
Fall‑related injuries (FRIs) are a significant source of death and disability across the globe and in NZ (Haagsma et al. 2013; SA 2015). Despite the high incidence, this is the first study examining the characteristics of patients of all age group and severities that were admitted to NZ hospitals following falls at home over an 11-year period.
Aims
To characterise the incidence and characteristics of fall-related injuries at home resulting in hospital inpatient treatment in the Te Manawa Taki (TMT) region.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of TMT Trauma Registry data between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2022 was conducted. Eligible patients were TMT residents hospitalised with an injury related to falls at home.
Results
Of all patients (13,142), majority (12437) were classify as non-major trauma. There were statistically significant relationship between gender, ethnicity and district, and Injury Severity Score category. There were two distinctive age band incidence peaks: 00-09 years and 60+ years. Males were more likely to sustain major trauma. The most common cause was fall on the same level from slipping, tripping, and stumbling. The average length of stay per event was 5.5 days. The average cost was NZ$ 9,792 per event.
Conclusion
The number of incidence and related costs represent a significant burden on the health system. In-depth analysis of causative factors will help targeting of prevention strategies to address high‑risk activities and demographic groups.
References
1. Haagsma JA, Graetz N, Bolliger I, Naghavi M, Higashi H, Mullany EC, et al.( 2016). The global burden of injury: incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and time trends from the Global Burden of Disease study 2013. Inj Prev, 22(1):3-18.
2. Safekids Aotearoa. (2015). Child Unintentional Deaths and Injuries in New Zealand, and Prevention Strategies. Auckland, New Zealand: Safekids Aotearoa.
