Date Presented 03/22/24
This presentation will discuss community-based fall prevention screenings, results from a study examining the behavioral impact of these screenings among older adults at risk for falling, and recommendations to increase the impact of fall screenings.
Primary Author and Speaker: John V. Rider
Additional Authors and Speakers: Erin Vieira, Shannon Martin
PURPOSE: Falls are a significant health risk for older adults. Annual fall risk screenings are recommended for adults aged 65 and older. However, little is known about the impact of these screenings. This study aimed to examine if community-based fall risk screenings with tailored fall prevention recommendations would prompt older adults to take any action to reduce their fall risk.
DESIGN: This observational cohort study used a convenience sample of older adults attending a free community-based fall prevention screening event.
METHOD: Older adults were screened for fall risk using the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries Initiative functional assessments. Following the screening, an occupational therapist provided education on fall risk factors and individualized recommendations to reduce fall risk, including fall prevention programs, appropriate referrals, balance exercises, increasing physical activity, home modifications, etc. Participants were interviewed three months after the screening to examine any behavioral changes.
RESULTS: Sixteen older adults completed the follow-up interview. Eleven participants reported specific changes. No participants signed up for recommended community fall prevention programs. The most common behavioral changes reported were being more cautious with functional mobility (n=9), increasing physical activity (n=7), being more aware of environmental fall risks (n=5), making home modifications (n=2), and using assistive devices for ambulation (n=2).
CONCLUSION: Community-based fall prevention screenings can motivate older adults to make small changes to reduce their fall risk. However, further education or interventions beyond screenings may be necessary to initiate major lifestyle, environmental, or behavioral changes. Impact Statement: Fall prevention screenings can increase awareness of fall risks, encourage older adults to be more cautious with functional mobility, and increase participation in physical activity.
References
Bergen, G., Stevens, M.., & Burns, E. (2016). Falls and fall injuries among adults aged ≥65 years - United States, 2014. MMWR: Morbidity And Mortality Weekly Report, 65(37), 993–998.
Eckstrom, E., Parker, E., Lambert, G., Winkler, G., Dowler, D., & Casey, C. (2017). Implementing STEADI in academic primary care to address older adult fall risk. Innovation in Aging, 1(2), igx028.
Elliot, S., & Leland, N. (2018). Occupational therapy fall prevention interventions for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(4), 1–11.
Karlsson, L., Doe, K., Gerry, M., Moore, B., Wingood, M., Renfro, M., & Gell, N. (2020). Outcomes of a Physical Therapist-Led, Statewide, Community-Based Fall Risk Screening. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 43(4), 185–193.
