Direct medical costs of fall-related injuries in elderly patients presenting to a tertiary hospital: A descriptive study
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, vol.42, no.6, pp.1437-1442, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 42 Issue: 6
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.12669/pjms.42.6.15680
- Journal Name: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.1437-1442
- Keywords: Accidental Falls, Aged, Direct Service Costs, Health Care Costs, Tertiary Hospital
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Fall-related injuries are a leading cause of injury and injury-related death among elderly people aged 65 and over and are a significant public health problem. Determining the economic burden of elderly people who are admitted to hospital due to falls will guide the development of policies and plans regarding healthcare delivery. This study aimed to calculate the direct medical costs associated with the treatment of fall-related injuries in individuals aged 65 and over who presented to a tertiary hospital due to falls. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted in Kütahya, Türkiye, between September 15, 2022 to December 15, 2022. The study data were obtained from the data system of Kütahya Health Sciences University Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital. The study population consisted of individuals over the age of 65 diagnosed with falls between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Hospital records were examined, and the unit prices of the medical procedures performed, including subsequent treatments related to the fall, were obtained according to the unit prices defined in the Social Security Institution’s reimbursement tariff. Direct medical costs were categorized accordingly. All costs were calculated in Turkish Lira (TRY) and converted to United States Dollars (USD) using the average exchange rate for the study period (1 USD = 12.60 TRY). Data analysis was conducted using the Jamovi v2.3 software. Results: An analysis of the distribution of fall-related costs revealed that the highest costs were associated with intensive care (101,778 USD; 27.3%), medical equipment (83,318 USD; 22.4%), surgery (44,807 USD; 12.0%), medication (43,669 USD; 11.7%), and medical services (21,388 USD; 5.7%). The total cost of falls in the study group amounted to 372,563 USD, with inpatients accounting for 332,854 USD and outpatients for 39,710 USD. Conclusions: Falls impose a significant financial burden on healthcare systems, particularly due to high-cost components such as intensive care. Effective preventive interventions can reduce these costs while improving the health and well-being of older adults.