Duke CTSI staff member Janis Curtis, MSPH, MA, recently met with Congresswoman Deborah Ross to advocate for federal legislation to help prevent falls through patient education and annual risk assessment. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Falls are dangerous and contribute significantly to health care expenditures in the United States by resulting in broken bones, concussions, and hip and knee replacements,” said Curtis, associate director for the Duke Clinical Data Research Networks (CRDN) program. “As someone prone to falls, sharing my personal experience as a patient with Congresswoman Ross about what I have learned from my physical therapist to help prevent falls was an important perspective to gain her support for this legislation.”
Curtis, along with representatives from Duke Health Physical Therapy and Duke Health Government Relations, met with Ross to discuss the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act. The legislation would allow people with Medicare to receive a fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their wellness benefit. The SAFE Act aims to reduce falls for older Americans and lower the risk of opioid addiction that can occur after a fall.
“The meeting with Congresswoman Ross is an excellent example of Duke Health bringing together patients, physicians, physical therapists, and policy makers to address a major health need,” said Lynn C. Sutton, MS, co-director for the CTSI Clinical Research Networks Pillar. “I’m thrilled Janis had the opportunity to bring the voice of the patient to these important discussions.”
Curtis said she talked with Ross about the limited amount of education provided by physicians and nurses, given time constraints for office visits. Such training is usually limited to stressing the importance of removing throw rugs in the home, walking in well-lit rooms, and wearing the right type of shoes. Curtis described for Ross the more thorough falls prevention education she received while attending physical therapy at Duke outpatient clinics.
“I learned exercises that helped improve my balance and the strength in my legs. Equally important, I learned how to get up if I do fall and no one is around to help me,” Curtis said. “I feel strongly that the education that physical therapists can provide is extremely valuable in preventing falls, and they have more time to spend with patients.”
Ross has served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2021 and is a vocal and active supporter of policies to improve health outcomes for seniors and all communities in the Triangle.