How can I effectively manage a patient with recurrent falls and what referral criteria should I consider?

To effectively manage a patient with recurrent falls, conduct a comprehensive falls risk assessment that includes evaluation of gait, balance, muscle strength, vision, cognition, mood, urinary incontinence, home hazards, cardiovascular health, and medication review ¹.

Offer a multifactorial intervention tailored to the individual's risk factors, which may include strength and balance training, home hazard assessment and modifications, vision assessment and referral, medication review with possible adjustments, and addressing underlying health conditions ¹.

For patients with gait or balance impairment and recent falls, offer a falls prevention exercise programme and consider a home hazard assessment ².

Encourage participation in falls prevention programmes by discussing what changes the patient is willing to make and providing relevant information ¹.

Referral criteria should include patients who have experienced recurrent falls, fall in the last year with gait or balance impairment, or demonstrate abnormalities in gait or balance, warranting specialist assessment and intervention ¹,².