Exploring the concept of a ‘long lie’ after a fall to inform clinical pathways in pre-hospital services: a systematic literature review
To understand the risks for older people of experiencing a ‘long lie’ after a fall
To enhance your knowledge of the physical and psychological effects for older people of experiencing a long lie
To reflect on whether conveying patients to hospital is always the appropriate course of action following a fall
The term ‘long lie’ is often used clinically to describe a situation where an individual has had a fall and has remained on the floor. However, there is no universal definition of what constitutes a long lie or recognition of the effect it can have on physical or psychological well-being. In August 2024, the authors undertook a comprehensive literature review on the subject. A search of articles published in English from the past 45 years which refer to adults over the age of 18 years who had a fall and a long lie, identified six articles. The outcome of the review demonstrates that there is a lack of primary literature that clearly defines a long lie. Nevertheless, ambulance and community first responders are encouraged to convey to hospital patients who have been on the floor for one hour or more, directly contradicting national health agendas that promote the delivery of acute care closer to home.
