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To investigate stakeholders' perspectives of fall prevention programs for older adults with vision impairment. Twenty-two stakeholders (client facing professionals, service managers, and policy makers), with expertise in fall prevention or vision impairment, from organisations in south-eastern Australia, participated in this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted over-the-phone (n = 19) and face-to-face (n = 3), and analysed deductively using content analysis into the following system level factors for health promotion interventions seen within the behaviour change wheel: Fiscal measures; Guidelines; Communication and marketing; and Service provision. Five key themes were identified: (1) insufficient guidelines or referral pathways; (2) ongoing funding to secure service delivery and best practice implementation; (3) marketing approach: honouring consumer's perceptions of themselves; (4) practical suggestions for program delivery; and (5) incorporation into existing services. Stakeholders considered fall prevention for those with vision impairment as essential in preventative healthcare, but did not have a clear understanding of where to refer or how to deliver a fall prevention service for this population. This study supports the delivery of fall prevention programs in older adults with vision impairment, but highlights the need to incorporate stakeholder perspectives into the design and delivery of such programs to ensure barriers to implementation in real world settings. Older adults with vision impairment are at a high risk of falls but currently have very little access to fall prevention programs. Results support the delivery of fall prevention programs to older adults with vision impairment through existing services, as long as professionals are provided with adequate service delivery guidelines, referral pathways, and fall prevention specific education and professional development opportunities. A variety of service provision, such as group and home-based programs, or using technology, may be cost-effective and improve older adults with vision impairments' adherence to fall prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of implementing the Tailored Activity Program with a cohort of people with frontotemporal dementia and their carers (dyads). Methods: The Tailored Activity Program is an occupational therapy based intervention that involves working collaboratively with family carers and prescribes personalized activities for behavioral management in people with dementia. Twenty dyads randomized into the study (Tailored Activity Program: n = 9; Control: n = 11) were assessed at baseline and 4-months. Qualitative analyzes evaluated feasibility and acceptability of the program for the frontotemporal dementia cohort, and quantitative analyzes (linear mixed model analyzes, Spearman's rho correlations) measured the impact of the program on the dyads. Results: The Tailored Activity Program was an acceptable intervention for the frontotemporal dementia dyads. Qualitative analyses identified five themes: "carer perceived benefits", "carer readiness to change", "strategies used by carer to engage person with dementia", "barriers to the Tailored Activity Program uptake/implementation", and "person with dementia engagement". Quantitative outcomes showed an overall reduction of behavioral symptoms (F18.34 = 8.073, p = 0.011) and maintenance of functional performance in the person with dementia (F18.03 = 0.375, p = 0.548). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential for using an activity-based intervention such as the Tailored Activity Program in frontotemporal dementia. Service providers should recognize that while people with frontotemporal dementia present with challenging issues, tailored therapies may support their function and reduce their behavioral symptoms. Implications for rehabilitation: The Tailored Activity Program is an occupational therapy based intervention that involves prescribing personalized activities for behavioral management in dementia. The Tailored Activity Program is an acceptable and feasible intervention approach to address some of the unique behavioral and functional impairments inherent in frontotemporal dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ergonomic education in housework that aims to facilitate behavior change is important for women with upper limb repetitive strain injury. Therapists usually conduct such programs based on implicit reasoning. Making this reasoning explicit is important in contributing to the profession’s knowledge. Aim: To construct a conceptual representation of how occupational therapists make clinical decisions for such program. Method: Based on a constructivist-grounded theory methodology, data were collected through in-depth interviewing with 14 occupational therapists from a major hospital in Singapore. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Data was analyzed with line by line, focused and axial coding with constant data comparison throughout data collection. Results: Therapists made clinical decisions based on their perceptions of their clients’ behavior change in three stages: (i) listen; (ii) try; and (iii) persevere, bearing significant similarities to the transtheoretical theory of change. The study also showed that therapists may not have considered the full range of meanings that their clients attach to housework when interacting with them, a gap that needs to be addressed. Conclusions: The present study indicates the importance of therapists’ understanding of the meanings that their clients attach to housework. Further research needs to address how to achieve this in a time-pressured clinical environment. Implications for Rehabilitation: This study used qualitative research to demonstrate the process of translating therapists’ tacit knowledge into an explicit form. It elucidates the following major implications for practice when therapists conduct ergonomic education to facilitate behavior change in housework for female homemakers with upper limb RSI:The conceptual framework of clinical reasoning constructed from the results can be used to increase therapists’ awareness of how they make clinical decisions during an intervention. This framework can also be used for training new therapists. It is important for therapists to actively listen to their clients. Active listening will enable the therapists to understand and consider the personal meanings that these women attach to housework in order to facilitate a behavior change. Client-therapist interactions to facilitate clients’ willingness to change should become a major focus in such a program. Similar research should be conducted in other clinical areas to develop explicit clinical reasoning frameworks to facilitate learning of novice therapists and reflection of experienced therapists to address any gap in their clinical reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aim to provide a systematic review of qualitative research evidence relevant to the experiences and perceptions of program providers and participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds regarding (i) exercise and (ii) fall prevention programs for older people.Method: Using a narrative synthesis approach, we reviewed published journal articles reporting qualitative data. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted to identify 19 publications that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 discussed exercise and three focused on broader fall prevention programs. However, no studies were identified that explored the perspective of the program providers.Results: An overarching theme emerged identifying the influence of cultural values and perceptions on program participation. Also, identified were motivational, social and environmental influences.Conclusion: Exercise and fall prevention interventions need to be culturally appropriate and utilise the positive influences of social support, especially from physicians and family. While these findings can be used to inform the delivery of programs to these population groups, future studies should focus specifically on experiences and perceptions of older CALD people of fall prevention programs as well as the perspectives of program providers.Implications for RehabilitationProgram participation is influenced by cultural values and motivational, social and environmental factors.The meaning and importance of exercise can vary between and within cultures.Exercise and fall prevention interventions need to be culturally appropriate and utilise the positive influences of social support, especially from physicians and family.Providing information that falls can be prevented and the reasons why behaviours need to change will be more likely to encourage older people from CALD backgrounds to contemplate participation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the intervention process and results of the Tailored Activities Program (TAP) in two people diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).Method: TAP is an occupational therapy (OT) community-based intervention program that prescribes personalised activities to reduce difficult behaviours of dementia. The OT works with carers over a 4-month period (assessment, activity prescription and generalisation of strategies). Study measures were collected (blind researcher) pre- and post-intervention: cognition, functional disability, behavioural symptoms and Caregiver Confidence and Vigilance.Results: A 51-year-old woman with behavioural-variant FTD could consistently engage in more activities post-intervention, with scores indicating improvements to behaviour, function and caregiver confidence. A 63-year-old man with semantic variant FTD engaged well in the prescribed activities, with scores reflecting reduced carer distress regarding challenging behaviours and improved caregiver vigilance.Conclusions: TAP is efficacious in FTD, allowing for differences in approach for FTD subtype, where behavioural symptoms are very severe and pervasive.Implications for RehabilitationThe Tailored Activities Program is an intervention which can be tailored to account for unique behavioural and language profiles inherent across frontotemporal dementia (FTD) subtypes.Maintaining a flexible approach when applying an intervention in FTD allows for tailoring to individual case variability within FTD subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To explore how the meaning of exercise and other factors interact and influence the exercise behaviour of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) enrolled in a 6-month minimally supervised exercise program to prevent falls, regardless of whether they completed the prescribed exercise or not.Method: This qualitative study utilised in-depth semi-structured interviews analysed using grounded theory methodology.Results: Four main themes were constructed from the data: adapting to change and loss, the influence of others, making sense of the exercise experience and hope for a more active future. Participation in the PD-specific physiotherapy program involving group exercise provided an opportunity for participants to reframe their identity of their “active” self. Three new influences on exercise participation were identified and explored: non-motor impairments of apathy and fatigue, the belief in a finite energy quota, and the importance of feedback. A model was developed incorporating the themes and influences to explain decision-making for exercise participation in this group.Conclusion: Complex and interacting issues, including non-motor impairments, need to be considered in order to enhance the development and ongoing implementation of effective exercise programmes for people with PD.Implications for RehabilitationExercise participation can assist individuals to reframe their identity as they are faced with losses associated with Parkinson’s disease and ageing.Non-motor impairments of apathy and fatigue may influence exercise participation in people with Parkinson’s disease.Particular attention needs to be paid to the provision of feedback in exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s disease as it important for their decision-making about continuing exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To examine how goal setting is used with caregivers of community residing adults and the effect of goal setting practices in improving the outcomes. Methods: A mixed methods systematic review was conducted. The methodological rigour of included studies was critiqued using Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool, Downs and Black checklist and a framework for evaluating qualitative research. Narrative synthesis was created through tabulation and categorisation, visual mapping of the goal setting process, thematic analysis on common goal setting features and critical reflection on the accuracy and robustness of the synthesis. Results: Seventeen studies were included: 10 randomised trials, 5 other quantitative studies and two descriptive studies which incorporated qualitative methods. The trials demonstrated a relatively low risk of bias in contrast to the other studies that had varied methodological rigour. No studies isolated the effect of the goal setting process on outcomes and therefore the effectiveness of goal setting could not be evaluated. However, through a narrative synthesis six prominent features of collaborative goal setting were identified. Conclusions: Despite the fact that goal setting is an important component of client-centred care, and the prominence of client-centred care in healthcare discourse, the review uncovered a surprisingly limited number of studies. Goal setting is an elusive process that is of therapeutic value and warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To examine the validity and reliability of a modified Reintegration to Normal Living Index (mRNL Index) with a sample of community-dwelling adults with mixed diagnoses. Method. Forty-six adults (mean 55.2 ± 20.3 years) were recruited through convenience sampling from outpatient rehabilitation services. They completed the mRNL Index, Community Integration Measure (CIM) and Life Space Assessment (LSA) and were invited to complete them again 2 weeks later. Results. Construct validity of the mRNL Index was confirmed by good fit to the Rasch measurement model. The mRNL Index demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α == 0.80), as did the Daily Functioning subscale (Cronbach's α == 0.80) and Personal Integration subscale (Cronbach's α == 0.82). Test-retest reliability was also acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient (3,1) == 0.83, p == .0001). As hypothesised, the LSA did not correlate with the Personal Integration subscale (Spearman rho == 0.08) and moderately correlated to the Daily Functioning subscale (Spearman rho == 0.59). The CIM was moderately correlated with the Personal Integration subscales (Spearman rho == 0.54) and the Daily Functioning subscale (Spearman rho == 0.53), though higher correlation was expected with the latter. Conclusion. Modifications to the phrasing, rating scale and subscales improved the validity of the original RNL Index for a mixed rehabilitation, community-dwelling population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the perspectives of rehabilitation therapists on the implementation of fall prevention programmes with community-dwelling stroke survivors in the Singapore context, and elicits recommendations to adapt the Stepping On programme with stroke survivors. Method: Qualitative data were elicited during 4 focus groups with 23 rehabilitation therapists (15 occupational therapists [OTs]; 8 physiotherapists [PTs]) who had received training to deliver the original Stepping On programme, and had experienced delivery of fall-prevention intervention programmes locally. Collected data were analysed using thematic analysis method. Results: Three themes emerged from the focus groups describing: (a) limitations of existing falls prevention intervention for stroke clients; (b) the need to adapt the Stepping On programme to use with stroke clients; and (c) challenges in implementing fall prevention programmes in the stroke context. A series of new components were suggested to be included as part of the Stepping On after stroke (SOAS) programme, including involvement of family members and caregivers, and tailored community reintegration sessions (such as taking public transport and shopping). Conclusions: Rehabilitation therapists describe challenges in addressing fall prevention within a stroke context, and findings highlight the need for a structured, stroke-specific fall prevention programme rather than a more general approach to education and training. Contextual components identified provide valuable inputs towards the development of a culturally relevant fall prevention programme for stroke survivors in Singapore. Stroke survivors living in the community are at a high risk of falls. A structured and culturally relevant fall prevention programme for community-living stroke survivors is needed. Falls prevention for community-living stroke survivors should be multi-dimensional and targeting the modifiable risk factors for falls in this group. Both stroke survivors and caregivers should be involved in any fall prevention after stroke programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To summarize the effects of rehabilitation interventions to reduce freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease. A systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized trials of rehabilitation interventions that reported a FOG outcome was conducted. Quality of included studies and certainty of FOG outcome were assessed using the PEDro scale and GRADE framework. Sixty-five studies were eligible, with 62 trialing physical therapy/exercise, and five trialing cognitive and/or behavioral therapies. All meta-analyses produced very low-certainty evidence. Physical therapy/exercise had a small effect on reducing FOG post-intervention compared to control (Hedges' g= −0.26, 95% CI= −0.38 to −0.14, 95% prediction interval (PI)= −0.38 to −0.14). We are uncertain of the effects on FOG post-intervention when comparing: exercise with cueing to without cueing (Hedges' g= −0.58, 95% CI= −0.86 to −0.29, 95% PI= −1.23 to 0.08); action observation training plus movement strategy practice to practice alone (Hedges' g= −0.56, 95% CI= −1.16 to 0.05); and dance to multimodal exercises (Hedges' g= −0.64, 95% CI= −1.53 to 0.25). We are uncertain if physical therapy/exercise, cognitive or behavioral therapies, are effective at reducing FOG. FOG leads to impaired mobility and falls, but the effect of rehabilitation interventions (including physical therapy/exercise and cognitive/behavioral therapies) on FOG is small and uncertain. Until more robust evidence is generated, clinicians should assess FOG using both self-report and physical measures, as well as other related impairments such as cognition, anxiety, and fear of falling. Interventions for FOG should be personalized based on the individual's triggers and form part of a broader exercise program addressing gait, balance, and falls prevention. Interventions should continue over the long term and be closely monitored and adjusted as individual circumstances change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore men's fall experiences through the lens of masculine identities so as to assist health professionals better engage men in fall prevention programs. Methods: Twenty-five men, aged 70–93 years who had experienced a recent fall, participated in a qualitative semi-structured interview. Men's willingness to engage in fall prevention programs taking account of individual contexts and expressions of masculinity, were conceptualised using constant comparative methods. Results: Men's willingness to engage in fall prevention programs was related to their perceptions of the preventability of falls; personal relevance of falls; and age, health, and capability as well as problem-solving styles to prevent falls. Fall prevention advice was rarely given when men accessed the health system at the time of a fall. Conclusions: Contrary to dominant expectations about masculine identity, many men acknowledged fall vulnerability indicating they would attend or consider attending, a fall prevention program. Health professionals can better engage men by providing consistent messages that falls can be prevented; tailoring advice, understanding men are at different stages in their awareness of fall risk and preferences for action; and by being aware of their own assumptions that can act as barriers to speaking with men about fall prevention. Men accessing the health system at the time of the fall, and during rehabilitation following a fall represent prime opportunities for health professionals to speak with men about preventing falls and make appropriate referrals to community programs. Tailored advice will take account of individual men's perceptions of preventability; personal relevance; perceptions of age, health and capability; and problem-solving styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing on the perspectives of stroke survivors, family members and domestic helpers, this study explores participants' experiences of self-perceived fall risk factors after stroke, common fall prevention strategies used, and challenges to community participation after a fall. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Singapore with community-dwelling stroke survivors with a previous fall (n = 9), family caregivers (n = 4), and domestic helpers (n = 4) who have cared for a stroke survivor with a previous fall. Purposive sampling was used for recruitment; all interviews were audio-recorded with permission and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo (v10) software. Results: All participants shared their self-perceived intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors and main challenges after a fall. For stroke participants and family caregivers, motivational factors in developing safety strategies after a previous fall(s) include social connectedness, independent living and community participation. For family caregivers and domestic helpers, the stroke survivor's safety is their top priority, however this can also lead to over-protective behavior outside of the rehabilitation process. Conclusions: Reducing the risk of falls in community-dwelling stroke survivors seems to be more important than promoting community participation among caregivers. The study findings highlight that a structured and client-centered fall prevention program targeting stroke survivors and caregivers is needed in Singapore. Falls after stroke can lead to functional decline in gait and mobility and restricted self-care activities. Community-dwelling stroke survivors develop adaptive safety strategies after a fall and want to be socially connected. However, caregivers see the safety of the stroke survivors as their top priority and demonstrate over-protective behaviors. Fall prevention programs for community-dwelling stroke survivors should target both stroke survivors and their caregivers. A structured and client-centered fall prevention program targeting at multiple risk factors post-stroke is needed for community-living stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the internal consistency, construct validity and responsiveness of functional assessments tools when used with hospitalized older adults. Materials and methods: The functional ability of 66 patients was assessed using a semi-structured interview scale (n = 16 tools). The assessment of motor and process skills was administered during hospital admission and again at three months post-discharge. Results: Tools showed poor-to-excellent internal consistency (α = 0.27-0.92). Of the tools that were internally consistent, only two demonstrated change: the Groningen activity restriction scale (GARS) (smallest detectable change [SDC] 11.68, effect size −1.59) and the modified reintegration to normal living scale (SDC 7.04, effect size −1.20). Validity was supported by strong correlations between the functional independence measure™ (FIM™) and the GARS, FIM™ and Sunnaas activity daily living (ADL) index. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the GARS and the modified reintegration to normal living index (mRNLI) are internally consistent, valid and responsive to change over time when applied to a sample of hospitalized older adults. Further investigation of these tools in terms of inter and intra rater reliability in clinical practice is warranted. Implications for Rehabilitation: Therapists and researchers need to choose standardized functional assessments carefully when working with hospitalized older adults, as not all assessments are reliable and valid in this population. The GARS and mRNLI are valid and responsive functional assessments for hospitalized older adults. Activity and participation have been viewed traditionally as only one component of function. Therapists and researchers can use standardized assessments of function that are activity or participation-based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore how perceptions of fall risk influence decisions to undertake activities in people with Parkinson's disease who have fallen, along with their care-partners. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from eight people with moderate to severe Parkinson's Disease and freezing of gait (including those with cognitive impairments) and their care-partners. An inductive approach to thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Four main, interconnected themes emerged, and a framework was developed to illustrate these connections. Weighing up the risks and benefits reflected the constant tension between assessing the likelihood of falling and potential benefit of any activity; Being fearful heightened the perceived risk resulting in a tendency to avoid or modify activities; Desire to lead a normal life heightened the perceived benefit of any activity, leading towards risk taking behaviour; It's a part of Parkinson's provided the context in which the decision-making process took place, with the reality of a progressive disorder influencing choices and contributing to a belief that falls were inevitable. There is a complex interaction between perceptions of fall risk and behaviour. An understanding of these interactions will assist therapists to tailor individualised fall prevention interventions. People are constantly weighing up the risks and benefits of activities while balancing fear of falling and a desire to lead a normal life in the context of Parkinson's disease. The resulting activity choices vary along a continuum from avoiding activities to taking risks, with a common approach to minimise the risk and then embrace the activity. Therapists can help people with Parkinson's and their care-partners to determine what level of risk is acceptable for them when balancing risk with quality of life. Understanding how people decide if they will undertake an activity that poses a risk of falling will allow therapists and patients to co-design fall prevention and management interventions based on the patient's values and priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reablement is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functioning and quality of life in people living with dementia. This project sought to develop a practical handbook for health professionals illustrating the best, currently available evidence via newly-developed composite reablement programs. Handbook development occurred over five phases, informed by Normalisation Process Theory: (1) literature review, (2) sector interviews to explore how handbook implementation may impact practice, (3) workshop to determine final handbook content, (4) reablement program synthesis and handbook development, and (5) dissemination and implementation planning to support optimal uptake and normalisation within the sector. Interviews (n = 22) identified sector support for development of the reablement handbook. Workshop (n = 24 participants) outcomes informed the final eight reablement programs sorted by functional outcomes (everyday living activities; mobility and physical function; and cognition and communication). A technical guide and consumer information booklet were developed to support the handbook. A comprehensive handbook implementation plan involving dynamic assessment and monitoring was developed. The reablement handbook provides a practical and accessible avenue to support function in people with dementia. Robust, coordinated dissemination, implementation and assessment of the new resource across a range of practice settings is now required. Dementia leads to disability and dependence, impacting the person with dementia, their family and society. Reablement, an approach consistent with rehabilitation, is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functional performance and quality of life in people living with dementia. This study describes development of a freely available evidence-informed reablement handbook designed to support delivery of high-quality reablement programs by allied health/nursing professionals for people living with dementia. Outcomes have potential to inform future implementation work and to ultimately improve the quality of services offered within the dementia sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Working Alliance Inventory Theory of Change Inventory (WATOCI) in physical rehabilitation. Methods: RASCH analysis was used to examine the validity, internal consistency, reliability and discriminative properties of the 16-item WATOCI. Data was obtained from a randomized controlled trial, which employed the WATOCI to measure the alliance between physical therapists and patients with chronic low back pain. Results: The results indicated that 7 items on the 16-item WATOCI should need to be improved for use in physiotherapy settings. The resulting 9-item version of the WATOCI was found to be a uni-dimensional tool for measuring alliance, however, demonstrated a ceiling effect. Conclusions: There are several items in the WATOCI that require re-wording and/or re-contextualization prior to its use in clinical practice. Specifically, items relating more to the element social interaction did not discriminate well in this population and one solution may be to provide a therapy-specific context. Items regarding how well the patient understood the purpose of the treatment discriminated best between patients and this area is recommended for further development in the tool's assessment. It is recommended that future research address these issues prior to its use in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify demographic, physical and psychosocial determinants associated with participation in daily activities of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional design of older adults (≥70 years) from Victoria, Australia, residing in their homes was drawn from a convenience sample. The outcomes were recent participation in household and recreational activities as measured by the Phone-FITT. Explanatory variables included demographics, physical and mental health functioning ( Short Form-12 version 2, Geriatric Depression Scale 15). Associations were analyzed through linear regression. Results: There were 244 participants (60% female), with a mean age of 77.5 years (SD 5.7). Higher levels of depression and fewer falls (during the previous year) were independently associated with restrictions in household participation ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001). For recreational participation, higher levels of depression were associated with restricted participation ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Screening for depression should be a key component of health assessments with older adults. Untreated depression may lead to lower participation rates in daily activities potentially resulting in social isolation. Fewer falls and restricted household participation were associated, but no association was observed between falls and recreational participation. Further studies are required to explore this association in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]