Abstract
Collective research to determine the predictive validity of the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI), parallel-forms reliability between the 3-item and 12-item STEADI, and the efficacy of pamphlets in the education of individuals using a nonprofit equipment exchange program.
Primary Author and Speaker: Karen Probst
Based on data from the CDC, 1 out of 4 older adults will incur a fall within the community. This research sought to delve into the parallel forms reliability of the 3-item and 12-item STEADI questionnaire to determine if the abbreviated version of the tool could be utilized to quickly screen individuals obtaining free durable medical equipment and supplies from a community non-profit organization. Additionally, this research examined the predictive validity of the STEADI tool and the efficacy of brochures to disseminate educational information regarding durable medical equipment and falls. Participants were recruited through the use of convenience sampling. 902 participants completed both tools and received informational paper brochures. Phone calls were made six months after completing the STEADI tool to determine if a fall occurred and to inquire about the receipt and level of understanding retained from the brochure. Results indicated that for individuals completing both tools, the 3-item tool may provide clinicians with a statistically similar result, with a p-value of <0.001. This can be a valuable time saver, but more importantly for individuals struggling to complete a longer form (due to a variety of circumstances, such as pain, difficulty with attention, or potential language barriers) a shorter form can be less cumbersome for all involved and thus provide the insight needed to refer to the appropriate equipment needs and intervention suggestions. Results showed that only 22.5% of the predicted 80% fall-risk population actually suffered the outcome of a fall within six months. Additionally, only 34% of participants in this study recalled receiving the educational pamphlet, and only 32% of those individuals were able to identify the specifics of the educational information. Occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals can utilize this information in the fall screening process as well as the education of those at high risk for falls.
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