The added value of the registration of home accidents in general practice

Abstract

Objectives - To determine the number, the nature and the circumstances of home accidents managed in general practices, and to compare the results with the European Home and Leisure Accidents Surveillance System (EHLASS) data. Design - A prospective population survey of all domestic accidents managed in 138 sentinel general practices during 1995/96. Setting - Primary health care. Subjects - In total, 4481 patients were included, of which 58% were female. Main outcome measures - The incidence of domestic accidents managed in general practices; the nature and place of the accident; the nature of the injury; the predisposing factors and related products. Results - The highest incidence of home accidents was measured among children and the elderly. The median age was significantly lower for men (36 years) than for women (54 years). Among women, 74% of all home accidents were the result of a fall. The lesion is often a contusion or wound. Fractures were recorded in 20% of all home accidents. Three-quarters of all fractures involved women, especially older women. Most accidents among women (80%) occurred during motion and housework. Among men, 65% of all home injuries occurred during motion and do-it-yourself jobs. Conclusion - Because of the close relation with most patients and a knowledge of their living conditions, the GP is able to provide more reliable information on the circumstances of accidents than are health care providers in hospitals. The prevention of home accidents should at least partly be based on the results provided by general practitioners.