After a successful 12-month trial in Greater Manchester, a falls prevention app has been adopted by 37 care homes and 25 GP practices, leading to a 57% reduction in ambulance call-outs. The Safe Steps app is a digital risk assessment tool that helps carers identify adults at high risk of falls and create personalized action plans to mitigate risk factors.
The pilot program in Bury resulted in a 38% reduction in falls, a 57% drop in ambulance call-outs, and a 12% decrease in hospital admissions. This initiative, known as the Bury Safe Steps program, was a collaboration between Bury Integrated Delivery Collaborative (IDC), SafeSteps, and Health Innovation Manchester.
Saif Ahmed from Health Innovation Manchester highlighted the success of the program, emphasizing the significant impact on reducing ambulance call-outs and improving outcomes for care home residents.
The app also allows primary care teams to access health screening information, enabling early detection of residents at risk of deterioration. This proactive approach not only enhances patient care but also streamlines processes, making healthcare more efficient and alleviating pressure on emergency services.
Health Innovation Manchester aims to expand the adoption of Safe Steps in the region, anticipating substantial cost savings and improved quality of life for care home residents. The potential financial benefits are significant, with the potential to save millions and relieve strain on healthcare resources.
Furthermore, studies suggest that adopting AI tools like those used in falls prediction can further enhance healthcare efficiency and lead to substantial cost savings for the NHS.
