Direct medical costs of fall-related ınjuries in elderly patients presenting to a tertiary hospital: A descriptive study

Abstract

Objectives: Fall-related injuries are a leading cause of injury and injury-related death among elderly people aged 65 and over and are a significant public health problem. Determining the economic burden of elderly people who are admitted to hospital due to falls will guide the development of policies and plans regarding healthcare delivery. This study aimed to calculate the direct medical costs associated with the treatment of fall-related injuries in individuals aged 65 and over who presented to a tertiary hospital due to falls.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted between September 15, 2022 to December 15, 2022. The study population consisted of individuals over the age of 65 diagnosed with falls between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Hospital records were examined, and the unit prices of the medical procedures performed, including subsequent applications related to the fall, were obtained. Direct medical costs were categorized accordingly. Data analysis was conducted using the Jamovi v2.3 software.

Results: An analysis of the distribution of fall-related costs revealed that the highest costs were associated with intensive care (101,778 USD; 27.3%), medical equipment (83,318 USD; 22.4%), surgery (44,807 USD; 12.0%), medication (43,669 USD; 11.7%), and medical services (21,388 USD; 5.7%). The total cost of falls in the study group amounted to 372,563 USD, with inpatients accounting for 332,854 USD and outpatients for 39,710 USD.

Conclusions: Falls impose a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Effective preventive interventions can reduce these costs while improving the health and well-being of older adults.