Page 6 - FALL GUIDELINES MOH 2019

PREFACE
PREFACE

HEAD OF GERIATRICS SERVICE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
HEAD OF GERIATRICS SERVICE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
DR. YAU WENG KEONG
DR. YAU WENG KEONG

Malaysia is experiencing a demographic transition as a result of increasing life expectancy.
Malaysia is experiencing a demographic transition as a result of increasing life expectancy.
There is a growing subset of older adults who are at risk of developing complications and
There is a growing subset of older adults who are at risk of developing complications and
functional impairment from multiple comorbidities and frailty. This population faces the
functional impairment from multiple comorbidities and frailty. This population faces the
unique problem of the geriatric giants, one of which is falls. Falls bring about adverse
unique problem of the geriatric giants, one of which is falls. Falls bring about adverse
physical, psychological and functional repercussions, hence its reduction is recognized as an
physical, psychological and functional repercussions, hence its reduction is recognized as an
important Malaysian Patient Safety Goal.
important Malaysian Patient Safety Goal.

The silver lining is that falls can be prevented, especially with a dedicated multidisciplinary
The silver lining is that falls can be prevented, especially with a dedicated multidisciplinary
team input. It is with this in mind that the writers selected to contribute to this pathway are
team input. It is with this in mind that the writers selected to contribute to this pathway are
from various fields, and have had many years of experience managing patients at the
from various fields, and have had many years of experience managing patients at the
ground level. The breadth and depth of their expertise will prove useful to the readers of
ground level. The breadth and depth of their expertise will prove useful to the readers of
this pathway who have chosen to undertake the task of managing falls in their respective
this pathway who have chosen to undertake the task of managing falls in their respective
institutions.
institutions.

I would like to thank all the contributors who have worked relentlessly and painstakingly,
I would like to thank all the contributors who have worked relentlessly and painstakingly,
sacrificing their precious time to produce this guide for the betterment of patient care.
sacrificing their precious time to produce this guide for the betterment of patient care.

Dr. Yau Weng Keong
Dr. Yau Weng Keong

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