Comment: Counting the cost of falls

It’s not often that, as physio staff, you can put a clear cost on the benefits of your services, says Frontline managing editor Lynn Eaton

You may know you improve your patients’ lives, or help with their mobility or function. But putting an exact figure on what that means financially is difficult.

On 1 October, many CSP members are going to be involved in local initiatives to celebrate Older People’s Day. It’s all part of our bigger campaign to demonstrate that Physiotherapy Works.

To coincide with the day, the CSP is publishing research indicating that for every £1 spent on physiotherapy to prevent older people from falling, the NHS would save £1.50 as a result of a reduction in acute hospital admissions and associated costs.  What better evidence is there that physiotherapy not only works but is cost effective?

The potential savings to the NHS in England are huge - £275 million. The benefits for an older person who doesn’t break a bone, and is able to remain independent for a few more years, are incalculable.

Author
Lynn Eaton; managing editor Frontline and head of CSP member communications

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