1. Development of a Community-Based Fall Prevention Program: Stay in Balance
- Author
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Gerhild Ullmann and Harriet G. Williams
- Subjects
Male ,Gerontology ,Aging ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Psychological intervention ,Poison control ,Pilot Projects ,Suicide prevention ,law.invention ,Translational Research, Biomedical ,Cognition ,Randomized controlled trial ,Risk Factors ,law ,Injury prevention ,Humans ,Medicine ,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine ,Community Health Services ,Program Development ,Gait ,Postural Balance ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,business.industry ,Age Factors ,Human factors and ergonomics ,Service provider ,Exercise Test ,Physical therapy ,Accidental Falls ,Female ,business ,Program Evaluation ,Fall prevention - Abstract
Background:Falls and fall-related injuries are critical issues for older adults; evidence indicates that multidimensional interventions that address modifiable risk factors can be successful in reducing falls. Few evidence-based fall prevention interventions exist due, in part, to complex issues associated with development and implementation. There is a need for a variety of such programs from which older adults may choose. We describe steps, outcomes, and issues involved in developing/implementing an evidenced-based fall prevention program in community settings.Methods:The Stay In Balance program (SIB), developed by a team of professionals, local service providers and active older adults, was carried out with total of 135 older adults in several steps: developing objectives and program content, laboratory-based randomized controlled trial (RCT), pilot program in the community, community-based RCT, and implementation at 2 community sites.Results:Each step in development provided useful and different insights into needed changes in program content, equipment, support materials, training, and appropriate outcome measures.Conclusion:Development of an evidenced-based fall prevention program requires a long term commitment on the part of all partners, University personnel, local service providers, and older adult participants; funding is also critical.
- Published
- 2012
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