According to a new research review, personalised programs intended to prevent falls in older people may not actually reduce the frequency of falls. The review, described as the most comprehensive to date, found no meaningful difference between tailored interventions and other approaches.
The findings challenge the assumption that individualising fall-prevention plans based on personal risk factors improves outcomes. The review suggests that the extra complexity and cost of personalisation may not translate into fewer falls.
Instead, resources might be better directed toward other prevention strategies or toward ensuring that existing programmes are applied consistently. The review does not dismiss the importance of fall prevention, but it does cast doubt on whether personalisation is the key ingredient.