Frode Laerum, MD, PhD

In an everyday occurrence in Norway's nursing homes, a frail patient becomes dizzy or stumbles and takes a fall. The outcome is also predictable. If a fracture clearly results, the patient is sent to the hospital for treatment. On the other hand, if there is uncertainty about whether a fracture has occurred, the normal response is watchful waiting for some days-a practice that can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment. The patient might finally be sent to the hospital by ambulance or taxi for a simple x-ray examination. This can be time-consuming and expensive, as well as distressing for the patient.