Evaluating a Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Bleijlevens Michel HC, Hendriks Marike RC, van Haastregt Jolanda CM, van Rossum Erik, Kempen Gertrudis IJM, Diederiks Joseph PM, Crebolder Harry FJM, van Eijk Jacques ThM
Primary Institution: Maastricht University
Hypothesis
What factors explain the ineffectiveness of a multidisciplinary fall prevention programme?
Conclusion
The study found that the fall prevention programme was feasible but ineffective due to low compliance and few referrals.
Supporting Evidence
- The programme was largely performed according to protocol.
- Participants reported a low to moderate compliance with contacting their GP.
- A majority of participants felt they benefited from the programme.
Takeaway
The program to help older people avoid falls was easy to use, but many didn't follow through with the advice given.
Methodology
The study used self-administered questionnaires, structured interviews, and recording forms to collect data from participants and practitioners.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have affected participant and practitioner responses.
Limitations
Participants may have given socially desirable answers, and data from GPs were not collected.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and over who had visited the A&E department due to a fall.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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