How can injuries in children and older people be prevented?

This is a Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report on injuries in children and older people. The evidence of proven and promising strategies for the prevention of unintentional injuries in children and the older people is considerable. Legislative, environmental modification and educational approaches all have a part to play in preventing or reducing childhood injuries, and their interactive effects are encouraging. A number of interventions to reduce the incidence of falls in older people are clearly effective. Those targeting multiple risk factors are effective, although it is not possible to say which of their elements most so. HEN, initiated and coordinated by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is an information service for public health and health care decision-makers in the WHO European Region. Other interested parties might also benefit from HEN. This HEN evidence report is a commissioned work and the contents are the responsibility of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the official policies of WHO/Europe. The reports were subjected to international review, managed by the HEN team. When referencing this report, please use the following attribution: Towner E, Errington G (2004) How can injuries in children and older people be prevented? Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence Network report; http://www.euro.who.int/Document/E84938.pdf, accessed 16 October 2004).