Figure 3: Mrs Chan's printed risk profile and management plan as generated by FRAMS
Falls Prevention Suggested Management Plan
Prepared on 10:00 31st May 2005
Patient ID/Name: Mrs Chan
Gender: Female   Age: 82
Listed below are some recommended options for the management of patients identified as having an increased risk of falling. Strategies are categorised according to specific risk factors components. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be alternative or additional strategies indicated for individual patients. Some recommendations may appear in more than one risk factor due to overlap.
Overall Risk Profile
Risk Category   Risk Rating (3*rating)
History of Falls     * Mild  
Age and Gender     ** Moderate  
Chronic Medical Conditions     * Mild  
Sensory Loss     ** Moderate  
Current Medication     ** Moderate  
Functional Limitations     ** Moderate  
Specific Risk Factor Identified
History of Fall
Even falls that do not cause injury require investigation.
Review other falls risk factors and circumstances of falls.
Explore whether there has been any reduction in activity or loss of confidence since the fall/s.
Discuss need to gradually resume activities/ regain confidence.
Ensure appropriate acute management if injury is recent.
Review current services and needs, refer for additional services if indicated.
Consider referral for personal response system. Consider referral to geriatric assessment team.
 
Chronic Medical Conditions
Arthritis (particularly involving the legs) is strong risk factor for falls.
Investigate other risk factors of falls and treat accordingly.
 
Current medications
Use of diuretic medication increase risk of falls.
 
Sensory loss
Vestibular disorders can cause dizziness and poor balance.
Undertake general vision assessment including fields, acuity, contrast sensitivity (if available), standard eye examination.
 
Functional limitations
Investigate causes of gait problems and causes of muscle weakness.
Discuss need to gradually resume activities/ regain confidence.
Discuss precautions for this patient in increasing their physical activity.
Consider referral to geriatric assessment team.
 
Professional Referral
Dietician: Assess nutritional status.
Occupational therapist: Assessment to promote safety, independence and social/community engagement.
Physiotherapist: Assess balance and strength and provision exercise program, gait aid prescription, desensitising exercise program.
 
Institute for the Blind
For aids/appliances to facilitate independent function.