eSteps Decision-Support Tool Associated With 9% Lower Fall Rate Among Older Adults

The use of a clinical decision-support tool called Electronic Strategies for Tailored Exercise to Prevent Falls, or eSTEPs was associated with a 9% lower rate of recorded falls among older adults in a trial involving 11,945 consumers. The tool reminded primary care professionals to recommend exercises designed to improve strength and balance or refer consumers to physical therapy. Consumers at practices using the tool experienced 19.3 recorded falls per 100 consumer-years, compared with 21.2 among those receiving usual care.

The tool, which is embedded in EHRs, provides reminders and recommendations for home-based exercises tailored . . .