Objectives: To describe the patterns of personal emergency response systems (PERS) use in a statewide cohort of older Australians. Methods: PERS data from clients enrolled in the Personal Alarm Victoria program between January 2014 and June 2017 were analysed. Alarm activation reasons were extracted, and a medical record audit was performed for a sub-cohort of patients admitted to a local hospital following an alarm event. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: There were 42,180 clients enrolled during the study (mean age 80 years, 80% female, 93% living alone). An ambulance attended 44% of the fall-related events and 81% of events coded as unwell. Activation reasons were distributed equally between a fall and feeling unwell, and a repeating pattern of activation reasons was observed. In our sub-cohort (n = 92), the majority of admissions (86%) followed an alarm activation coded as unwell. Conclusion:We demonstrated recurring patterns associated with the reasons for alarm use. K E Y W O R D S aging, emergencies, falls, personal emergency response systems 1 | INTRODUCTION Most countries are facing challenges associated with ageing populations. Globally, the number of people aged 60 years and over has tripled since 1950. 1 Providing supportive environments to assist older people to live well can help compensate for declining health and physical abilities and is a primary component of public responses to ageing. 1 Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are the most established of the technology supports for older people living alone. How to cite this article: Andrew NE, Wang Y, Teo K, et al. Exploring patterns of personal alarm system use and impacts on outcomes.

Reassuringly, patients had a reasonable understanding of diagnosis and purpose of GEM admission. Lack of understanding of medications, especially among NESB patients, should be improved.

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