Economic Value Analysis of Gait Analysis Technology in the Field of Elderly Health

Abstract

There is a growth in population, and this implies that there is a better healthcare option needed to ensure that the older age population can live freely and reduce the cost of care. Falling is one of the major health issues of adults. Falls may result in injuries, hospitalization, long term disability and increased medical costs. Gait analysis technology study the gait of an individual not to mention whether one is on the verge of falling or not. This paper examines the utility of gait analysis technology in the adult health field. It will examine the ability of this technology to enhance outcomes in health and reduce expenditures. Knowing the walking style of a person, the physician can provide interventions such as therapy, balance, and medication to avoid falls, broken bones, among others. This technology of gait analysis may be quite helpful since it will lower the cost of care due to fewer falls that require care, surgery, or a longterm care, keep older adults active and independent, so the data does not require them to move to nursing homes, and the healthcare systems will also receive advantages. The paper also examines the expense of installing these systems such as the purchase of equipment, software, training employees and data management. Start-up may not be cheap, but it may save money in the long run through the elimination of hospital stays and institutional care. Gait analysis technology does not only involve saving money.