Fall-risk screening system framework for physiotherapy care of elderly

Abstract

In 2008 the global older population (aged 65 and over) was estimated to be about 7% of the world's population; it is estimated to reach 2 billion by 2050 accounting for 22% of the world total population. This demographic trend sets new challenges to health services and policies, and imposes a significant financial and social burden on economies as a whole. The decline in musculoskeletal system in the aging population is the biggest cause of injury death in older people who require effective physiotherapy treatment. However the current demand for physiotherapists outstrips current supply. To address this problem this paper described an innovative approach which consists of a screening risk assessment of the elderly which can be combined with a case based reasoning system to support physiotherapist in managing the care of the elderly following a fall. Although the study is based on a small cohort of the Thai population it is believed that this approach can address the shortage of physiotherapists and bring a significant improvement in the health care of older people. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.