Are we falling at the first hurdle? Estimating under-recording of falls in Accident and Emergency.

BACKGROUND Accident and Emergency (A and E) is the first port of call for most people who have experienced an injurious fall. This provides the potential for identifying patients who may benefit from preventative interventions. This study aims to estimate the percentage of falls attendances that are not recorded on computerised A and E records. METHODS A retrospective cohort study design was used to study patients attending A and E with falls related injuries. RESULTS The survey revealed poor recording of falls with 38 per cent (95 per cent CI +/- 8.82 per cent) of patient reported falls not recorded on computerised A and E records. More than half of those reporting a fall as the reason for attendance at A and E, reported previous falls, with 21 per cent reporting subsequent falls. CONCLUSIONS A and E could play an important role in secondary falls prevention. Improving recording of falls in A and E is an essential prerequisite.