Greater Manchester pilots tech to help prevent falls in older people

Greater Manchester is piloting technology which helps GPs identify older adults who are at risk of falling, so that they can receive early support.

One in three people aged over 65 experience at least one fall each year, which can result in complex injuries, hospital stays and a loss of confidence.

The pilot, delivered by NHS Greater Manchester in collaboration with local primary care networks and academic partners, launched in February 2025 in the South Wigan Ashton North (SWAN) Primary Care Network and will run for nine months.

It uses the eFalls tool, which searches within digital GP systems, using indicators such as frailty scores, falls history, medications, and long-term conditions to put patients in different risk categories.

Patients identified as at a moderate risk of falling are invited for a health check and offered a place on the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme, which helps improve strength, balance and confidence.

Dr Nikesh Vallabh, GP and clinical director for the SWAN Primary Care Network, said: “This approach shows the power of combining local insight, strong neighbourhood partnerships and evidence-based tools.

“By identifying those most at risk, we can connect them with trusted, community-based services like FaME.

“It’s a proactive, personalised model that supports independence and reduces pressure on the wider health system.”

Patients may also be referred for eyesight checks and other preventative support.

During the pilot period, searches are being run by the NHS Greater Manchester data team, with the long-term aim for the toolkit to be embedded in GP IT systems, allowing practice teams to run the searches.

It is the first time this system has been used outside research settings at the Universities of Leeds and Birmingham.

Chris Todd, professor of primary care and community health at the University of Manchester, said: “Falls are a serious concern as we age but the good news is they can often be prevented.

“There’s strong evidence that strength and balance programmes like FaME make a real difference.

“The eFalls tool helps us find the right people at the right time, offering them a chance to take part in something that supports their health, mobility and overall wellbeing.”

Professor Andrew Clegg, professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Leeds and developer of the eFalls tool, said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this pioneering work.

“Greater Manchester has delivered a global first by applying the eFalls tool in primary care settings, using everyday electronic health records to proactively identify those at risk.

“What usually takes over a decade to reach patients has happened in under 12 months by using the Greater Manchester Care Record.

“It’s an incredible achievement and testament to the outstanding GM team.”

The Greater Manchester pilot is supported by a £100,000 grant jointly funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the Centre for Ageing Better.

Meanwhile, a digital platform designed to help people at risk of falling moved into the third phase of its trial in March 2025, with the ambition to be rolled out across Scotland.