MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM
Faint is a generic term frequently used at the initial presentation of the patient, which encompasses all disorders characterized by transient, self-limited, non-traumatic loss of consciousness. A recent epidemiological study performed in the state of Utah, showed that the yearly incidence of Faint was 9.5 patients per 1000 inhabitants with 1 out of 10 patients requiring hospitalization. The average payment received per faint patient evaluation was $2,517 resulting in an estimated yearly cost equal to $90,901,958.
Similarly, Falls in older people are common and their impact can be devastating, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Up to thirty-five percent of adults greater than 65 years old sustain at least one fall and the incidence increases to 32-42% in adults older than 75 years of age. The average payment received per fall patient evaluation was $3,200, respectively resulting in an estimated yearly cost equal to $351,959,040.
Despite the recently published guidelines, the evaluation and treatment of patients with Faint or Fall is often haphazard and un-stratified. The result is inappropriate use of diagnostic tests and a high rate of misdiagnosis. In non- standardized clinical practice settings, the rate of unexplained faint is 42%-54% highlighting the importance of adopting standardized diagnostic protocols and algorithms in the medical practitioner's approach to patients with faint. Similarly, several studies have identified multiple risk factors for Fall patients highlighting the multifaceted nature of this problem.