The
Problem- Falls
Falls are a significant cause of morbidity and
mortality, especially among older adults and many other patient populations. In
the US alone one in three adults 65+ falls each year. Of those who fall, 10%
- 30% suffer from moderate to severe injuries. The Economic burden: Treating
falls is extremely expensive; in 2015 Medicare evaluated the costs for falls at
over $31 billion. Since the population is aging, all these numbers are
about to rise up drastically.
The Need-
An Accurate and Objective Assessment of Fall Risk
The most common means of quantifying falls remains self-report.
Despite its widespread use, it has three key limitations: subjective in nature,
it requires a long observation period (6 months or a year) and it lacks
sensitivity. Another approach to quantifying fall risk is to use balance
platforms, which are expensive. Clinical tests (e.g. Timed Up and Go) have
poor sensitivity and inadequate accuracy.
Our
Vision- The Near Falls (NF) system
Imagine that a few weeks before a clinical exam the patient receives in
the mail a body-worn sensor, the size, and weight of a small sticker. After the
patient has put on the sensor, it starts to record his movements and then it
detects and monitors NF and documentation of any changes in the walking
pattern. The clinician then receives a detailed report of the patient’s motor function
and fall risk. The clinician can conduct the clinical examination informed with
details about the patient’s motor abilities, performance, and risk of falls. The
near falls device is a Holter-monitor like that is composed of accelerometers,
computation, storage, communication with caregiver/physician.
The Advantages of the Near Falls
system
ü
The NF system gives an objective,
accurate and sensitive measurement that is based on everyday performance and
allows early detection.
ü
Early detection of fall
risk using the NF can lead to improved healthcare.
ü
Time saver- A
typical neurologist and geriatrician only have a few, rushed minutes to conduct
a motor examination and to assess the risk of falls. With the "Near
Falls" system, the doctor receives an accurate analysis of fall risk right
to his computer.
ü
The "Near Falls"
system is low cost.
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