[Cost evaluation of hospital inpatient stays induced by injuries due to falls for elderly people]

Thirty percent of people aged 65 and older, living at home fall at least once a year. Few economic data are available in Belgium on this issue. We evaluated the cost borne by social security. 823 inpatient stays aged 65 and more, from home and admitted for injuries after a fall were selected. We observe an average (SD) age of 81 years. The proportion of women is 76%. 75% of admissions are related to fractures. 18% of patients are 'institutionalized' after falls. The death rate is 6%. The median (Q1-Q3) of cost is € 4.182 (2.385-6.820), for a length of stay median (Q1-Q3) of 11 days (4-25). The cost of hospital stays is estimated at €135 millions. Based on population projections, the cost could be estimated at € 243 millions in 2050. The overall cost of the treatment of these lesions is much more important, because costs are also generated after the hospitalization.