Seven RCTs were included in the review. Two trials were cluster randomised (matched by wards). One trial was double-blinded.
Positive intervention effects were reported in four trials.
A one-to-one patient education package (part of a multifactorial intervention) on risk factors and goal setting for falls prevention was associated with falls reduction of 8.2 falls per 1,000 participant days compared to control data of 16 falls per 1,000 participant days (one trial, n=226).
A one-year targeted risk factor reduction multifactorial care plan showed a statistically significant reduction in recorded falls (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.95; one trial: n=eight wards matched with eight community units).
One multidisciplinary multifactorial postoperative programme following femoral neck fracture showed a significantly lower incidence rate ratio (0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.76) and shorter hospital stay (28.0±17.9 days) than the control group (one trial, n=199).
Another multiple intervention programme focusing on rehabilitation showed a statistically significant 30% reduction in falls after 45 days (105 falls in the intervention group compared with 149 in the control group). The relative risk failed to reach statistical significance (one trial, n=626).
There were no significant intervention effects from short term (30 days) Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, a falls prevention exercise programme (included functional movement as part of a multifactorial programme) and a multifactorial intervention that comprised risk assessment, education, medication review, modifications to the environment, an exercise programme and alarms for ambulant patients.