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Den-Ching A Lee,1,2 Elissa Burton,3,4 Susan Slatyer,5 Alessandro Jacinto,6 Déborah Oliveira,7 Christina Bryant,8 Anjali Khushu,9 Elizabeth Tiller,9 Aislinn Lalor,2,10 Moira Watson,5 Natasha Layton,2 Natasha Brusco,2 Keith D Hill2,11 1School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia; 2Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia; 3Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; 4enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; 5Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; 6Faculty of Geriatric Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; 7Medical School, Faculty Postgraduate Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo – UNIFESP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil; 8Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia; 9Department of Geriatrics (Falls Prevention Service), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia; 10Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3199, Australia; 11National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Monash University and Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, AustraliaCorrespondence: Den-Ching A Lee, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Moorooduc Highway, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia, Tel +613 9904 4662, Email angel.lee@monash.eduIntroduction: Carers play a critical role in supporting older people with health problems to remain living at home. This study aimed to understand the role and quality of life of older carers of older people and identify strategies used to manage their own health and well-being.Methods: Older carers (aged ≥ 50 years) of older people (aged ≥ 65 years) in Australia participated in a cross-sectional survey focused on carer roles, self-rated health, information and activities used to maintain their carer role and health, barriers to accessing health care, and assessment of quality of life (QoL) using the Dementia Quality of Life Scale for Older Family Carers. Multiple regression analysis examined relationships between variables and the QoL outcome.Results: The survey was completed by 189 older carers (mean age: 68 years; SD = 9.3). Most were female (83.5%), 80.2% providing care daily and 47.8% provided ≥six hours care daily. Almost half (45.1%) self-reported their health as average or below. Despite rating ensuring personal health as very important (mean importance 8/10), only 46.3% reported receiving support from their general practitioner for their carer role. The most common barrier to accessing care for themselves was “not having enough time”. Factors independently associated with poorer carer QoL were living with the care-recipient, caring for someone with depression/anxiety and poor care-recipient health. Factors independently associated with higher carer QoL were placing high importance on personal health, receiving assistance from a specialist clinic as a carer, and older age.Conclusion: Older carers of older people provide high levels of care and experience reduced quality of life. Innovative approaches that provide integrated care and support for older carers to promote their QoL are urgently needed.Keywords: carers, older, health, dementia, quality of life, barriers

Home care clients with dementia/cognitive impairment are typically functionally dependent and physically inactive. We pilot-tested a co-designed physical exercise program for its feasibility, safety, adherence and potential for benefits on physical activity, physical function, healthcare use and falls. Trained community care support workers delivered a 12-week home exercise program to clients with dementia/cognitive impairment, once weekly for 15 min during care shifts, supplemented by carers’ supervision of exercises for 30 min, three times weekly. A physiotherapist provided fortnightly phone support to ensure safety and exercise progression. Baseline and Week 12 assessments using validated scales for physical activity, physical function, daily living independence, falls efficacy, quality of life, self-reported healthcare use, falls and sleep quality were undertaken. Differences were examined with regression analyses. Care support workers (n = 26) and client/carer dyads (n = 26 and 80.8% culturally and linguistically diverse) participated. Participants recorded adverse events/falls and exercises in dairies. Fifteen dyads completed the program. No falls/adverse events occurred with the exercises. The adherence rates against targets for exercise time completed and days in which exercise were undertaken for support workers were 137%/79.6%, and for client/carer dyads were 82%/104.8%, respectively. Physical activity participation, physical function and falls efficacy significantly improved at Week 12 compared to baseline. The feasibility, safety and adherence of the co-designed physical exercise program were demonstrated. Strategies to minimise dropouts in future effectiveness studies are required.

This study examined the potential for effect of a six-week gait aid training program for people with dementia on spatiotemporal gait outcomes, perception of use, and falls with gait aid use. The program utilised four 30-min physiotherapy home visits, scheduled at weeks 1/2/3/6, and was enhanced by carer-supervised practice. Falls and the physiotherapist’s clinical judgement of participants achieving safe gait aid use during and after the program were described. Perception ratings at each visit were measured using Likert scales which, along with the spatiotemporal outcomes using the gait aid (Time-Up-and-Go-Test, 4-m-walk-test, Figure-of-8-Walk-Test with/without a cognitive task) at weeks 1 and 6, and at weeks 6 and 12 (6-week post-program), were examined with ordinal logistic regression analyses. Twenty-four community-dwelling older people with dementia and their carers participated. Twenty-one (87.5%) older people achieved safe gait aid use. Twenty falls occurred, and only one faller was using their gait aid when they fell. Walking speed, step length, and cadence significantly improved when walking with the gait aid at week 6 compared with week 1. No significant improvements in spatiotemporal outcomes were retained at week 12. Physiotherapists were more likely to agree that gait aid use had improved walking safety among older people with dementia with subsequent training visits. Larger studies of the gait aid training program are needed for this clinical group.

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a telehealth home-based exercise program for older people with dementia living in Indonesia with support from their informal carers. (2) Methods: Pre–post intervention single group study with three assessment time-points (baseline, 12 and 18 weeks). Participants with dementia underwent a 12-week physiotherapist-delivered telehealth exercise program, with informal carer supervision between supervised online sessions, and continued the exercises for a further six weeks without physiotherapist online supervision. (3) Results: Thirty dyads of older people with dementia and their informal carers were recruited; four (13.3%) withdrew across the 12-week intervention and one (3.3%) in the 6-week self-maintenance period. Median adherence was 84.1% (IQR [25, 75] = 17.1) during the 12-week intervention, and 66.7% (IQR [25, 75] = 16.7) in the self-maintenance period. No falls/adverse events were reported. Physical activity level, some aspects of function and disability, health-related benefits of exercise, exercise enjoyment and quality of life of older people with dementia improved significantly at 12 and 18 weeks. (4) Conclusions: The telehealth exercise program is feasible and safe and may have benefits for the health outcomes of community-living older people with dementia in Indonesia. Additional strategies are necessary to enhance longer-term adherence to the program.

Purpose To integrate the evidence of gait aid prescription for improving spatiotemporal gait parameters, balance, safety, adherence to gait aid use, and reducing falls in community-dwelling older people. Methods Seven health databases were searched to June 2021. Experimental studies investigating gait aid prescription (provision and instruction for use) for older people, reporting gait parameters, balance, falls, and safety of or adherence to gait aid use was included. Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals of gait and balance outcomes in participants at the program's last follow-up were analyzed. The safety of and adherence to gait aid use were described. Results Eight studies were included (N = 555 older people). No meta-analyses could be performed. Five studies used a single gait aid instruction session. Gait aid prescription had inconsistent effects on gait velocity, and no reported benefits in reducing gait variability in older people with mobility problems or fall risks, including Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. No study investigated gait aid prescription on falls and balance performance. Effects on safety and adherence to gait aid use were unclear. Conclusion Research is needed to investigate the benefits of extensive gait aid training in older people with mobility problems, including those with dementia or high falls risk.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThere is little evidence currently addressing the benefits of gait aid prescription on gait and associated outcomes in older people with mobility problems or fall risks.Gait aid prescription yielded inconsistent effects on increasing gait velocity and did not appear to reduce gait variability in older people with mobility problems or fall risks, nor in those with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.Clinicians may consider using a more extensive gait aid training approach to optimize learning of safe gait patterns and gait aid use, which may produce better outcomes.

Objective: Falls are a significant problem for many older patients after hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fidelity and impact of a tailored patient fall prevention education programme from the perspective of the educators who delivered the programme. Design: Qualitative sequential design. Setting: Three rehabilitation hospitals in Western Australia. Method: Three experienced physiotherapists trained as ‘educators’ to deliver a tailored fall prevention education programme to 195 older patients prior to hospital discharge, together with monthly telephone follow-up for 3 months after discharge. Educator–patient interactions were recorded in a standardised educator diary. Post-intervention, educators participated in a mini-focus group, providing their perspectives regarding education delivery and its impact on patient abilities to engage in fall prevention strategies. Data were analysed using deductive content analysis. Results: Educators followed up 184 (94%) patients, identifying multiple barriers and enablers affecting patient engagement in planned fall prevention strategies. Key barriers included unresolved medical conditions, reluctance to accept assistance on discharge, delays in assistive service provision, patient beliefs and perceptions about falls and, in some cases, patients’ absolving responsibility for recovery. Enablers were related to programme design, the completion of hospital discharge processes and support networks following discharge. Conclusion: Educators identified several barriers and enablers to programme delivery, receipt and enactment by older patients that contributed to the fidelity of the education programme. The consistent need for more patient support to enable improved enactment of plans and assist with safe recovery long after discharge warrants further attention at policy and health system levels.

To investigate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to improve the mental health of mothers of children with disabilities. Seven databases were searched. Interventions incorporated primarily cognitive-behavioural, psychoeducation, mindfulness or support-group approaches. The Template-for-Intervention-Description-and-Replication guided descriptions. Meta-analyses using a random effect model of randomized controlled trials assessed intervention effects on parenting stress and mental health. Of the 1591 retrieved papers, 31 met criteria to be appraised and 17 were included in the meta-analysis. Cognitive-behavioural approaches reduced parenting stress [2 studies, n = 64, pooled Standardized-Mean-Difference (SMD) = 0.86, 95% CI (0.43, 1.29)] and improved mental health [3 studies, n = 186, pooled SMD = 1.14, 95% CI (0.12, 2.17)], psychoeducation approaches improved mental health [2 studies, n = 165, SMD = 0.60, 95% CI (0.17, 1.03)]. Cognitive-behavioural and psychoeducation interventions are effective. Further research and clinical guidelines are warranted.

Older adults recently discharged from hospital are at high risk of functional decline and falls. A tailored fall prevention education provided at hospital discharge aimed to improve the capacity of older adults to engage in falls prevention activities. What remains unknown are the factors affecting behaviour change after hospital discharge. This study identified the perceived barriers and enablers of older adults to engagement in fall prevention activities during the 6-month period post-discharge. An exploratory approach using interpretative phenomenological analysis focused on the lived experience of a purposive sample (n = 30) of participants. All were recruited as a part of an RCT (n = 390) that delivered a tailored fall prevention education program at three hospital rehabilitation wards in Perth, Australia. Data were collected at 6-month post-discharge using semi-structured telephone surveys. Personal stories confirmed that some older adults have difficulty recovering functional ability after hospital discharge. Reduced physical capability, such as experiences of fatigue, chronic pain and feeling unsteady when walking were barriers for participants to safely return to their normal daily activities. Participants who received the tailored fall education program reported positive effects on knowledge and motivation to engage in fall prevention. Participants who had opportunities to access therapy or social supports described more positive experiences of recovery compared to individuals who persevered without assistance. A lack of physical and social support was associated with apprehension and fear toward adverse events such as falls, injuries, and hospital readmission. The lived experience of participants following hospital discharge strongly suggested that they required more supports from both healthcare professionals and caregivers to ensure that their needs were met. Further research that evaluates how to assist this population to engage in programs that will mitigate the high risk of falls and hospital readmissions is required.

To determine gait aid use and decision-making related to usage in people with dementia, and examine factors influencing (1) gait aid use or not; and (2) falls in past year. A survey of informal carers of older people with dementia in the community. Closed questions on gait aid use, falls, timing and sources of gait aid acquisition, and advice received to support use were used. Chi-squared tests (Fisher’s Exact) compared: (1) gait aid users vs non-users and carers’ report of (i) unsteadiness in walking/turning, (ii) dementia severity, (iii) falls in past year, and (2) fallers vs non-fallers and (i) timing of gait aid commencement relative to dementia diagnosis, (ii) whether health professional advice was received regarding use, and iii) regularity of use. Forty-seven completed surveys, 63.8% of care recipients used a gait aid; 56.9% had ≥2 falls in past year; 66.7% commenced use after dementia diagnosis; 25% acquired their aids from non-health professionals; and 37% did not receive advice regarding use. Gait aid users and non-users differed on carer ratings of unsteadiness in walking/turning (p = 0.02). Carers reported important aspects regarding gait aid acquisition, safe gait aid use and benefits which warrant further investigation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn our small sample, use of gait aids by people with dementia was related to the level of unsteadiness in walking and/or turning, and not associated with falling in the past year.People with dementia do not routinely receive professional advice about how to use gait aids, highlighting the potential value of maximizing health professional involvement in gait aid prescription and training.Deterioration in the ability of gait aid use after the diagnosis of dementia indicates a need for re-assessment or re-training of gait aid use over time.Clinical guidelines to facilitate decision-making regarding under what conditions gait aids are beneficial, what duration and aspects require instruction to ensure effective use by people with dementia are needed. In our small sample, use of gait aids by people with dementia was related to the level of unsteadiness in walking and/or turning, and not associated with falling in the past year. People with dementia do not routinely receive professional advice about how to use gait aids, highlighting the potential value of maximizing health professional involvement in gait aid prescription and training. Deterioration in the ability of gait aid use after the diagnosis of dementia indicates a need for re-assessment or re-training of gait aid use over time. Clinical guidelines to facilitate decision-making regarding under what conditions gait aids are beneficial, what duration and aspects require instruction to ensure effective use by people with dementia are needed.

This study described mobility care practice of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists and gait aid use for hospital patients with dementia. Two surveys, tailored to staff mobility care roles were distributed in Australian hospitals. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists were asked additional questions regarding assessments and factors for prescribing gait aids to patients with dementia. Descriptive statistics for closed-ended and summative content analyses for open-ended questions were undertaken. Nurses (n=56), physiotherapists (n=11) and occupational therapists (n=23) used various practices to ensure ambulation safety for patients with dementia. Nurses and occupational therapists commonly referred patients with dementia to physiotherapists for mobility and gait aid assessments. Therapists predominantly considered the severity of dementia, the person's learning ability and mobility history in deciding about gait aid use. Exploring ways to strengthen nursing and health professional education, and inter-professional practice for safe mobility in patients with dementia, with and without gait aids, could be helpful.

OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to i) explore the current practice, roles, and perceptions of physiotherapists who treat older people with and without dementia in Indonesia, ii) identify the characteristics of physiotherapists associated with treating older people and older people with dementia, and iii) identify the level of knowledge and attitudes about dementia among physiotherapists treating people with dementia in Indonesia. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study in which registered physiotherapists in Indonesia were surveyed online using Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics, linear regression and univariate logistic regression were used in this study. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify the characteristics of physiotherapists associated with treating older people and/or people with dementia. The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) was used to assess level of knowledge and attitudes about dementia. Qualitative data from the survey were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS The online survey was sent to 6327 physiotherapists who met the inclusion criteria and 1061 (16.8%) returned the survey. Eight hundred and eighty-four (83.3%) respondents worked with older patients, and 632 (59.6%) worked with people with dementia. The multiple regression analysis showed that physiotherapists who have been practicing for longer (years) (OR: 1.0, 95%CI: 1.0-1.1, p ≤ 0.001) and were working in a geriatrics area (OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.4-6.5, p = 0.005) were more likely to treat older people with dementia. The DKAS mean score (SD) was 32.1 (±5.1)/50 indicating some limitations in dementia knowledge by respondents, and 62% of physiotherapists reported low levels of confidence in treating older people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS The relatively low dementia knowledge, and generally low confidence in treating people with dementia among Indonesian physiotherapists were important findings in this study. This study highlights opportunities for improvement in physiotherapist's knowledge and skills in this emerging area of practice in Indonesia.

Gait aid provision is a standard approach to improve mobility and balance for older people. This research aims to understand and compare community care staff practice (health vs. non-health professionals) for gait aid use by people with and without dementia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Australian community care staff between October 2020 and February 2021. Survey items consisted of closed/open-ended questions to explore staff practice for people with/without dementia, and assessments/procedures health professionals used for people with dementia. Likert-scale items gauged staff agreement on factors that influenced their decisions regarding gait aid use for people with dementia. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine staff practice for people with/without dementia and their interaction effects, and factors that influenced decision-making regarding gait aid use for people with dementia. Content analyses were used to collate responses on assessments/procedures used for people with dementia. Health (n = 109) and non-health professionals (n = 138) completed the survey. Compared with non-health professionals, health professionals were more likely to (1) refer the person without dementia [odds ratio, 95% CI: 23.9 (12.1, 47.3), p

An emerging challenge in providing education to international higher degree students is delivering courses that have fieldwork placement components. This review synthesised findings for higher educ...

Fieldwork experiences can be particularly challenging for international, higher education students, as they face language and cultural difficulties, which can affect their academic progress and the...

Objective To identify discharge medications, especially psychotropic medications that are associated with falls, amongst older adults within 6 months following hospitalisation. Methods Negative binomial regression was used to examine relationships between discharge medications and falls in older post-hospitalised adults. Multiple regression that considered falls risk factors at discharge was performed. Results Data for 267 participants showed that discharge medications were not independently associated with falls postdischarge after adjustment for other falls risk factors. Male gender (adjusted incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval, CI]) 2.15 [1.36-3.40]), higher depression scores (1.14 [1.05-1.25]) and co-morbidity of neurological disease other than stroke (5.98 [3.08-11.60]) were independently associated with an increased rate of falls. Higher depression scores (1.20 [1.11-1.31]) and co-morbidity of cancer (1.97 [1.20-3.25]) were independently associated with an increased rate of injurious falls in the 6 months postdischarge. Conclusion Falls prevention strategies, other than hospital discharge medication management in the postdischarge older adults, warrant investigation.

This systematic review aimed to identify thematic elements within definitions of physical and chemical restraint, compare explicit and implicit definitions, and synthesize reliability and validity of studies examining physical and/or chemical restraint use in long-term care. Studies were included that measured prevalence of physical and/or chemical restraint use, or evaluated an intervention to reduce restraint use in long-term care. 86 papers were included in this review, all discussed physical restraint use and 20 also discussed chemical restraint use. Seven themes were generated from definitions including: restraint method, setting resident is restrained in, stated intent, resident capacity to remove/control, caveats and exclusions, duration, frequency or number, and consent and resistance. None of the studies reported validity of measurement approaches. Inter-rater reliability was reported in 27 studies examining physical restraint use, and only one study of chemical restraint. Results were compared to an existing consensus definition of physical restraint, which was found to encompass many of the thematic domains found within explicit definitions. However, studies rarely applied measurement approaches that reflected all of the identified themes of definitions. It is necessary for a consensus definition of chemical restraint to be established and for measurement approaches to reflect the elements of definitions.

To investigate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to improve the mental health of mothers of children with disabilities. Seven databases were searched. Interventions incorporated primarily cognitive-behavioural, psychoeducation, mindfulness or support-group approaches. The Template-for-Intervention-Description-and-Replication guided descriptions. Meta-analyses using a random effect model of randomized controlled trials assessed intervention effects on parenting stress and mental health. Of the 1591 retrieved papers, 31 met criteria to be appraised and 17 were included in the meta-analysis. Cognitive-behavioural approaches reduced parenting stress [2 studies, n = 64, pooled Standardized-Mean-Difference (SMD) = 0.86, 95% CI (0.43, 1.29)] and improved mental health [3 studies, n = 186, pooled SMD = 1.14, 95% CI (0.12, 2.17)], psychoeducation approaches improved mental health [2 studies, n = 165, SMD = 0.60, 95% CI (0.17, 1.03)]. Cognitive-behavioural and psychoeducation interventions are effective. Further research and clinical guidelines are warranted.

Background Use of physical and chemical restraints are common in residential aged care facilities worldwide. Restraint use can pose harm to residents even causing deaths. Objective To synthesize the prevalence and variability in physical and chemical restraint use, and examine factors that may contribute to this variability of prevalence rates. Methods Six health science databases were searched from inception up to 21st January 2020. Quantitative studies investigating restraint use in residential aged care facilities that reported data from year 2000 onwards were included. Meta-analyses of binomial data using a random effect model were performed to pool proportions of physical or chemical restraints with 95% confidence intervals. Univariable meta-regression analyses were used to assess factors that may contribute to the variability in physical and chemical restraint prevalence. Multiple meta-regression analyses were performed where possible to construct models of factors contributing to these variations. Results Eighty-five papers were included. The pooled proportion of physical and chemical restraint use in residential aged care facilities were 33% and 32% respectively. Bedrails (44%) and benzodiazepines (42%) were the most prevalent forms of physical and chemical restraint respectively. Studies from North America (lower prevalence) [coefficient (95% CI): -0.15 (-0.27, -0.03)], measurement approaches using direct observation (higher prevalence) [0.17 (0.02, 0.33)] and a combination of multiple measurement approaches (higher prevalence) [0.17 (0.05, 0.29)] explained 25.5% of variability in the prevalence of physical restraint. Multiple meta-regression analyses were not performed to identify factors that may explain the observed variability in chemical restraint prevalence due to the small number of studies with data available. Conclusion Variability in prevalence of physical restraint could be explained partly by different measurement approaches and geographical regions. Valid and reliable measurement approaches across different regions is required to understand cultural differences due to geographical region effects on the prevalence of physical restraint use.

Older people with dementia more frequently experience episodes of hospital care, transferal to nursing home and adverse events when they are in these environments. This study synthesised the available evidence examining non-pharmacological interventions to prevent hospital or nursing home admissions for community-dwelling older people with dementia. Seven health science databases of all dates were searched up to 2 December 2019. Randomised controlled trials and comparative studies investigating non-pharmacological interventions for older people with dementia who lived in the community were included. Meta-analyses using a random-effect model of randomised controlled trials were used to assess the effectiveness of interventions using measures taken as close to 12 months into follow-up as reported. Outcomes were risk and rate of hospital and nursing home admissions. Risk ratio (RR) or rate ratios (RaR) with 95% confidence interval were used to pool results for hospital and nursing home admission outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to include pooling of results from non-randomised trails. Twenty studies were included in the review. Community care coordination reduced rate of nursing home admissions [(2 studies, n = 303 people with dementia and 86 patient-caregiver dyads), pooled RaR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.45, 0.97), I2 = 0%, p = .45]. Single interventions of psychoeducation and multifactorial interventions comprising of treatment and assessment clinics indicated no effect on hospital or nursing home admissions. The preliminary evidence of community care coordination on reducing the rate of nursing home admissions may be considered with caution when planning for community services or care for older people living with dementia.

Background older adults are known to have increased falls rates and functional decline following hospital discharge, with substantial economic healthcare costs. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence for effective falls prevention interventions in older adults recently discharged from hospital. Methods literature searches of six databases of quantitative studies conducted from 1990 to June 2017, reporting falls outcomes of falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling older adults discharged from hospital were included. Study quality was assessed using a standardised JBI critical appraisal tool (MAStARI) and data pooled using Rev-Man Review Manager® Results sixteen studies (total sample size N = 3,290, from eight countries, mean age 77) comprising 12 interventions met inclusion criteria. We found home hazard modification interventions delivered to those with a previous falls history (1 study), was effective in reducing the number of falls (RR 0.63, 95%CI 0.43, 0.93, Low GRADE evidence). Home exercise interventions (3 studies) significantly increased the proportion of fallers (OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.17, 2.60, Moderate GRADE evidence), and did not significantly reduce falls rate (RR 1.27, 95%CI 0.99, 1.62, Very Low GRADE evidence) or falls injury rate (RR 1.16, 95%CI, 0.83,1.63, Low GRADE evidence). Nutritional supplementation for malnourished older adults (1 study) significantly reduced the proportion of fallers (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19, 0.86, Low GRADE evidence). Conclusion the recommended falls prevention interventions for older adults recently discharged from hospital are to provide home hazard minimisation particularly if they have a recent previous falls history and consider nutritional supplementation if they are malnourished.

The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions provided just prior or immediately after discharge from hospital on falls rates and falls injuries among older adults living in the community in the first 6 months after discharge from hospital.

Background Older adults recently discharged from the hospital are known to be at risk of functional decline and falls. This study evaluated the effect of a tailored education program provided in the hospital on older adult engagement in fall prevention strategies within 6 months after hospital discharge. Methods A process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial that aimed to improve older adult fall prevention behaviors after hospital discharge. Participants (n = 390) were aged 60 years and older with good cognitive function (greater than 7 of 10 Abbreviated Mental Test Score), discharged home from three hospital rehabilitation wards in Perth, Australia. The primary outcomes were engagement in fall prevention strategies, including assistance with daily activities, home modifications, and exercise. Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling. Results There were 76.4% (n = 292) of participants who completed the final interview (n = 149 intervention, n = 143 control). There were no significant differences between groups in engagement in fall prevention strategies, including receiving instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) assistance (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.7-2.1]; P = .3), completion of home modifications (AOR = 1.2 [95% CI = 0.7-1.9]; P = .4), and exercise (AOR = 1.3 [95% CI = 0.7-2.2]; P = .3). There was a high proportion of unmet ADL needs within both groups, and levels of participant dependency remained higher at 6 months compared to baseline levels at admission. The proportion of all participants who engaged in exercise following hospital discharge increased by 30%; however, the mean duration of exercise reduced from 3 hours per week at baseline to 1 hour per week at 6-month follow-up (SD = 1.12 hours per week). Conclusion Tailored education did not increase older adult engagement in fall prevention strategies after hospital discharge compared to usual care. Further research is required to evaluate older adults' capacity to change their behaviors once they return home from hospital, which may enable a safer recovery of their independence. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2274-2281, 2019.

Background: Research activity among allied health clinicians working in publicly funded health care organisations is growing, yet little attention has been paid to how these activities are prioritised. Without a specific framework to guide research direction, it is likely that research will be conducted in areas that are prioritised by individual clinicians. However, it is presently unknown what areas are prioritised by clinicians and the reasoning behind their prioritisation. Purpose: The aims of this study were to identify what clinicians identify to be the highest priority research across personal, department, and health service levels, and the reasons why. It also sought to identify barriers and enablers to conducting this research. Methods: Qualitative, cross-sectional survey with n=95 allied health clinician respondents within one organisation. Survey items relating to research priority were structured across three levels. Survey format consisted of open-ended questions and thematic content analysis was used to categorise responses. Results: The highest priority research across personal, departmental and organisational levels were related to areas of personal work, departmental service and models of care evaluation respectively. The top three priorities in all levels combined were “testing solutions”, “understanding problems or developing solutions” and “implementing evidence-based approaches in real life”. The primary reason provided as to why the research was considered to be of the highest priority was related to the anticipated effectiveness of intervention on patient outcomes and the efficiency of service delivery models being investigated. Time shortages/workload/competing priorities were the most frequently identified barriers to conducting this research, while mentoring /access to university partners/organisational culture/leadership and priorities that favoured research were the most frequently identified enablers. Conclusions: Considerations can be taken from our findings to guide the development of a framework or system to prioritise research projects in the publicly funded health care organisation.

Background Older people are at high risk of falls after hospital discharge. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of providing individualized falls prevention education in addition to usual care on falls rates in older people after hospital discharge compared to providing a social intervention in addition to usual care. Methods A randomized clinical trial at three hospitals in Western Australia: participants followed for 6 months after discharge. Baseline and outcomes measured by assessors masked to group allocation. Participants: aged 60 years and over, admitted for rehabilitation. Eligibility included: cognitively able to undertake education (Abbreviated mental test score >7/10). Intervention: tailored education comprising patient video and workbook, structured discussion and goal setting led by trained therapist. Main outcomes: falls in the 6 months after discharge; proportion of participants sustaining one or more falls. Results There were 382 (194 intervention; 188 control) participants (mean age 77.7 [SD 8.7] years). There were 378 falls (fall rate per 1,000 patient-days, 5.9 intervention; 5.9 control) reported by 164 (42.9%) participants in the 6 months following hospital discharge; 188 (49.7%) of these falls were injurious. There were no significant differences in falls rates between intervention and control groups: (adjusted IRR, 1.09; 95% CI [0.78 to 1.52]) or the proportion of participants who fell once or more (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI [0.90 to 2.07]). Conclusions Providing individualized falls prevention education prior to discharge did not reduce falls at home after discharge. Further research is warranted to investigate how to reduce falls during this high-risk transition period.

Background High rates of unplanned hospital readmissions are a burden on healthcare systems and individuals. This study examined factors at, and after initial hospital discharge and their associations with unplanned hospital readmission for older adults up to six months post-discharge from subacute care. Methods Older subacute care patients were surveyed prior to discharge, and assessed monthly post-discharge for six months. Data included the Geriatric Depression Scale, Phone-Fitt sub-scales, Friendship Scale, modified Lubben Social Network Scale, unplanned hospital readmission, self-reported physical capacity and falls in the last month were collected. Regression analyses were used to examine relationships between unplanned hospital readmission and variables that may predispose this outcome. Results Participants (n = 311) completed the baseline assessment. N = 218 (70%) completed all at six-month post-discharge. Eighty-nine (29%) participants shared 143 readmissions. Those with cancer history (adjusted OR [95% CI]) (1.97 [1.15, 3.39]), neurological disease other than stroke (2.95 [1.32, 6.57]) and dependence on others to assist in bending tasks (1.94 [1.14, 3.29]) at initial discharge were associated with readmission within six months post-discharge. Those who fell in the last month (adjusted OR [robust 95% CI]) (2.28 [1.43, 3.64]), being less physical active (0.98 [0.96, 0.99]), and dependence on others in moving around residence (2.63 [1.37, 5.06]) after initial discharge were associated with a readmission in the next month within six months post-discharge. Conclusion Trials investigating the effectiveness of strategies to reduce falls, build physical capacity, increase physical activity level, and connection with health care services after discharge to prevent readmission are warranted.

Background: Older adults experience a high rate of falls when they transition to community-living following discharge from hospital. Objectives: To describe the proportion of older adults who could recall having discussed falls and falls prevention strategies with a health professional within 6 months following discharge from hospital. To describe the recalled content of these discussions and the strategies recommended and/or undertaken to prevent falls. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 155 older adults surveyed prior to discharge from hospital, of whom 123 were followed up at month 3 and/or month 6 in the community post-discharge. Participants were recruited from three Australian hospitals. Questionnaires captured predictive factors that may predispose to a fall and data related to the objectives being examined. Results: Of the 123 participants who had at least one follow-up, 54 reported discussing falls with a health professional (49 discussed falls with their general practitioners). Of the 54 participants who recalled having a discussion, 33 commented that they were asked whether they had fallen over. Only six discussed interventions to prevent falls. However, 44 stated that they attempted a total of 53 strategies to prevent falls post-discharge. Of these strategies, 40 had an absence of evidence of effectiveness, 11 had evidence of effectiveness, while two had either evidence of no benefit/harm or evidence of harm for the prevention of falls. In all, 53 participants reported falling post-discharge, but 42% of them did not recall discussing falls with their health professional. Conclusion: There is considerable scope for health professionals, especially general practitioners, to increase the frequency with which they discuss falls and evidence-based interventions to prevent falls in this population.

This paper examines whether involvement in an observational study may prompt participants to change their exercise behaviors. Data were collected from 394 older community dwellers in Victoria, Australia using a baseline survey, and 245 of these participated in a follow-up survey one year later. Survey domains were drawn from constructs of relevant health behavior models. Results showed that the proportion of respondents who were currently participating in exercises to prevent falls at follow-up was 12% higher than at baseline (Wilcoxon p value < .001). Twenty-nine percent reported they had changed their perceptions about falls and their risk of falls, with comments focused on threat appraisal. Forty-four percent reported having taken strategies to reduce their risk of falling, with comments based on implementation of different preventive strategies. Respondents who held favorable views toward exercises for the prevention of falls appear to change their behaviors that might address falls when participating in observational studies.

Background:Clinical depression affects approximately 15% of community-dwelling older adults, of which half of these cases present in later life. Falls and depressive symptoms are thought to co-exist, while physical activity may protect an older adult from developing depressive symptoms. This study investigates the temporal relationships between depressive symptoms, falls, and participation in physical activities amongst older adults recently discharged following extended hospitalization.Methods:A prospective cohort study in which 311 older adults surveyed prior to hospital discharge were assessed monthly post-discharge for six months. N = 218 completed the six-month follow-up. Participants were recruited from hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. The survey instrument used was designed based on Fiske's behavioral model depicting onset and maintenance of depression. The baseline survey collected data on self-reported falls, physical activity levels, and depressive symptoms. The monthly follow-up surveys repeated measurement of these outcomes.Results:At any assessment point, falls were positively associated with depressive symptoms; depressive symptoms were negatively associated with physical activity levels; and, physical activity levels were negatively associated with falls. When compared with data in the subsequent assessment point, depressive symptoms were positively associated with falls reported over the next month (unadjusted OR: 1.20 (1.12, 1.28)), and physical activity levels were negatively associated with falls reported over the next month (unadjusted OR: 0.97 (0.96, 0.99) household and recreational), both indicating a temporal relationship.Conclusion:Falls, physical activity, and depressive symptoms were inter-associated, and depressive symptoms and low physical activity levels preceded falls. Clear strategies for management of these interconnected problems remain elusive.

Objective To identify from the older adults' perspective, the factors associated with discussion about falls with their general practitioners and other health professionals and the factors associated with initiation of these discussions. We explored the content of and barriers to discussion about falls. Methods A prospective cohort study where a baseline cross-sectional survey was followed by a survey 1 year later. Survey domains were drawn from constructs of behavioural change models. Data from 245 older community dwellers in Victoria, Australia, in the follow-up survey were used for this study. Survey format consisted of yes and no responses, Likert scale and open/closed-ended responses. Results Few older adults talked with and initiated a talk with their health-care providers about falls in the follow-up period. Multiple regression showed anxiety or depression [OR = 2.78, 95% CI (1.21–6.41)], chronic medical conditions such as diabetes [OR = 2.71, 95% CI (1.19–6.17)] and having a self-reported fall in the last 12 months [OR = 4.26, 95% CI (2.16–8.41)] were associated with discussion of falls with general practitioners. Higher perception of risk of sustaining a serious injury from falling [OR = 1.49 (1.03–2.13)] was associated with discussion about falls with other health professionals. Participants discussed various topics of falls with their health-care providers. Different barriers to discussion about falls were identified. Conclusion Health-care providers should routinely discuss falls prevention with older adults. Dissemination of evidence-based advice and followed up with referral during consultations, particularly in general practitioners could advance falls prevention practice. The results could help to develop a conceptual framework to predict the likelihood of falls discussion.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of patient education in reducing falls, promoting behavioural change and the uptake of prevention activities in older adults during and after hospitalization. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of five health science databases was performed up to November 2012. Studies that investigated patient education as a single intervention or in a multifactorial falls prevention programme in the hospital and/or post-discharge community settings, were eligible for inclusion. Standard meta-analysis methods were used to assess the effectiveness of patient education compared to usual care. Tests for heterogeneity, subgroup meta-analyses and a priori subgroup meta-analyses were performed for primary outcomes where appropriate. Primary outcomes were incidence of falls, falls-related injury and healthcare use due to falls. Secondary outcomes were mechanisms of behavioural change in falls prevention. Qualitative data were analysed by narrative review. Results: Falls prevention programmes that contained patient education were effective in reducing fall rates amongst hospital inpatients and post-discharge populations (risk ratio [RR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 0.87), and in reducing the proportion of patients who became fallers in hospital (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.87). Patient education generally increased knowledge about falls and awareness of prevention strategies. The uptake of strategies may be dependent on the activities being targeted. Conclusion: Falls prevention education should be recommended for older adults while in hospital and following discharge. Falls education programmes should consider the use of intensive face-to-face patient education with multimedia materials in preference to provision of written information alone or brief amounts of interpersonal contact.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults recently discharged from hospital have greater incidence of adverse events, functional decline, falls and subsequent readmission. Providing education to hospitalised patients on how to prevent falls at home could reduce postdischarge falls. There has been limited research investigating how older adults respond to tailored falls prevention education provided at hospital discharge. The aim of this study is to evaluate how providing tailored falls prevention education to older patients at the point of, and immediately after hospital discharge in addition to usual care, affects engagement in falls prevention strategies in the 6-months postdischarge period, including their capability and motivation to engage in falls prevention strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This prospective observational cohort study is a process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial, using an embedded mixed-method design. Participants (n=390) who have been enrolled in the trial are over the age of 60 years, scoring greater than 7/10 on the Abbreviated Mental Test Score. Participants are being discharged from hospital rehabilitation wards in Perth, Western Australia, and followed up for 6 months postdischarge. Primary outcome measures for the process evaluation are engagement in falls prevention strategies, including exercise, home modifications and receiving assistance with activities of daily living. Secondary outcomes will measure capability, motivation and opportunity to engage in falls prevention strategies, based on the constructs of the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour system. Quantitative data are collected at baseline, then at 6 months postdischarge using structured phone interviews. Qualitative data are collected from a purposive sample of the cohort, using semistructured in-depth phone interviews. Quantitative data will be analysed using regression modelling and qualitative data will be analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences worldwide. This study is approved by hospital and university Human Research Ethics Committees.

The objectives of this study were to describe the sources of falls prevention information provided to older adults during and after hospitalization, identify and explore reasons why discussion about falls prevention may not take place. Six participant groups were interviewed using semi-structured interviews or focus groups: (i) older patients (n = 16); (ii) caregivers (n = 8); (iii) allied health and nursing professionals (n = 33); (iv) doctors from acute wards (n = 8); (v) doctors from subacute wards (n = 10) and (vi) general practitioners (n = 9). Participants were recruited from three Australian hospitals that provided acute and subacute in-patient services to the older adults. General practitioners were recruited from the community of Melbourne. Findings showed provision of falls prevention information was dependent on setting of the ward and which health professionals the older adult encountered during and after hospitalization. Medical practitioners were reactive in providing information, whereas older adults and their caregivers were passive in seeking falls prevention information. Several barriers in information provision and information seeking were identified. There is great potential to improve the consistency of falls prevention information provision to older adults during hospitalization and in preparation for discharge to assist with prevention of falls in this high risk period.

BACKGROUND: The behaviour of hospitalized older adults can contribute to falls, a common adverse event during and after hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To understand why older adults take risks that may lead to falls in the hospital setting and in the transition period following discharge home. DESIGN: Qualitative research. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Hospital patients from inpatient medical and rehabilitation wards (n = 16), their informal caregivers (n = 8), and health professionals (n = 33) recruited from Southern Health hospital facilities, Victoria, Australia. MAIN VARIABLES STUDIED: Perceived motivations for, and factors contributing to risk taking that may lead to falls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Semi-structured, in depth interviews and focus groups were used to generate qualitative data. Interviews were conducted both 2 weeks post-hospitalization and 3 months post-hospitalization. RESULTS: Risk taking was classified as; (i) enforced (ii) voluntary and informed and (iii) voluntary and mal informed. Five key factors that influence risk taking behaviour were (i) risk compensation ability of the older adult, (ii) willingness to ask for help, (iii) older adult desire to test their physical boundaries, (iv) communication failure between and within older adults, informal care givers and health professionals and (v) delayed provision of help. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Tension exists between taking risks as a part of rehabilitation and the effect it has on likelihood of falling. Health professionals and caregivers played a central role in mitigating unnecessary risk taking, though some older adults appear more likely to take risks than others by virtue of their attitudes. Language: en