Marie-Josée SiroisPh.D.

Marie-Josée Sirois is an occupational therapist and epidemiologist, as well as a professor in the Department of Rehabilitation of the School of Medicine at Laval University. She is a clinical researcher with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and a regular researcher at the CRCHU of Quebec, as well as at the Centre d’Excellence sur le Vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ). Dr. Sirois’ clinical research program aims to maintain the mobility and functioning of frail and traumatized seniors by improving their care in emergency departments and in the community. Her preferred methods are large clinical cohort studies, intervention trials, and the use of large administrative databases.

Aging, injuries and loss of autonomy

In Canada, it is estimated that every year, about 80 out of every 1,000 seniors suffer from an injury; 60% of these injuries are related to falls and restrict the mobility of these people. Motor vehicle accidents are also a major cause of injuries that compromise the mobility of seniors.

At this time, while the vast majority (65%) of those aged 65 who have suffered minor- injuries return home following a consultation at the emergency room, there is no method to evaluate the risk of functional decline, nor a standardized and effective method of management (assessment and intervention) in emergency departments for this population. Epidemiology, clinical course, appropriate emergency services, and the need for follow-up services following emergency visits of seniors with minor injuries remain poorly understood. Furthermore, scientific literature indicates that active and independent seniors who have suffered injuries are likely to limit their activities for fear of getting injured again. This activity restriction may result in physical deconditioning or loss of social interaction, which are known risk factors for functional and mobility decline. Thus, minor trauma could be a precursor to functional disorders and an overall reduction in the quality of life in the elderly.