Author: Carande-Kulis V1, Stevens JA2, Florence CS3, Beattie BL4, Arias I5.
Affiliation: 1Office of the Associate Director for Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop D-72, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. 2National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. Electronic address: jas2@cdc.gov. 3National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. 4National Council on Aging, 1901 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. 5Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Safety Res.
Date published: 2015 Feb
Other:
Volume ID: 52 , Pages: 65-70 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2014.12.007 , Word Count: 236
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
One out of three persons aged 65 and older falls annually and 20% to 30% of falls result in injury. The purpose of this cost-benefit analysis was to identify community-based fall interventions that were feasible, effective, and provided a positive return on investment (ROI).
METHODS:
A third-party payer perspective was used to determine the costs and benefits of three effective fall interventions. Intervention effectiveness was based on randomized controlled trial results. National data were used to estimate the average annual benefits from averting the direct medical costs of a fall. The net benefit and ROI were estimated for each of the interventions.
RESULTS:
For the Otago Exercise Program delivered to persons aged 65 and older, the net benefit was $121.85 per participant and the ROI was 36% for each dollar invested. For Otago delivered to persons aged 80 and older, the net benefit was $429.18 and the ROI was 127%. Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance had a net benefit of $529.86 and an ROI of 509% and Stepping On had a net benefit of $134.37 and an ROI of 64%.
CONCLUSIONS:
All three fall interventions provided positive net benefits. The ROIs showed that the benefits not only covered the implementation costs but also exceeded the expected direct program delivery costs. These results can help health care funders and other community organizations select appropriate and effective fall interventions that also can provide positive returns on investment.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.
KEYWORDS:
Cost; Elderly; Fall intervention; Falls
PMID: 25662884