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Abstract
Background
Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are associated with decreased health and increased costs. Therefore, fall prevention programs (FPPs) have become increasingly important and shown effective. However, the translation of such complex programs into clinical practice is difficult and still lacks insight into factors that influence implementation. This can hamper the implementation and effectiveness of such programs in daily practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation among participants, therapists and stakeholders of a widely used group-based FPP in the Netherlands, to optimize and further implement such a program.
Methods
In Balance is a 14-week group-based FPP, combining counselling and exercise sessions. For the process evaluation, we used a mixed methods design. FPP participants and therapists filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the FPP. Moreover, five focus groups were conducted; three focus groups with FPP participants, one with therapists, and one with other stakeholders. Data was analysed according to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke.
Results
Overall, 93% of the 104 FPP participants who completed the questionnaire was satisfied with the FPP. Of the therapists, 86% (n=12) would recommend the FPP to older adults with balance or mobility difficulties. Within the qualitative data we identified six themes that are important for sustainable and further and lasting implementation: (1) Recruiting and motivating older adults to participate, (2) Structure and content of the program, (3) Awareness, confidence and physical effects, (4) Training with peers, (5) Funding and costs, and (6) Long-term continuation.
Conclusions
This study resulted in practical recommendations to optimize and further implement FPPs in practice. For successful implementation, FPPs should include recruitment via a personal approach, doing exercises with a focus on activities of daily living and situations in practice, and having exercise opportunities that follow-up on the FPP.
Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register: NL9248 (registered February 13 2021, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9248)
Keywords
Accidental falls, health program, focus group, experiences, preventive intervention
Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are associated with decreased health and increased costs. Therefore, fall prevention programs (FPPs) have become increasingly important and shown effective. However, the translation of such complex programs into clinical practice is difficult and still lacks insight into factors that influence implementation. This can hamper the implementation and effectiveness of such programs in daily practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation among participants, therapists and stakeholders of a widely used group-based FPP in the Netherlands, to optimize and further implement such a program.
Methods
In Balance is a 14-week group-based FPP, combining counselling and exercise sessions. For the process evaluation, we used a mixed methods design. FPP participants and therapists filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the FPP. Moreover, five focus groups were conducted; three focus groups with FPP participants, one with therapists, and one with other stakeholders. Data was analysed according to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke.
Results
Overall, 93% of the 104 FPP participants who completed the questionnaire was satisfied with the FPP. Of the therapists, 86% (n=12) would recommend the FPP to older adults with balance or mobility difficulties. Within the qualitative data we identified six themes that are important for sustainable and further and lasting implementation: (1) Recruiting and motivating older adults to participate, (2) Structure and content of the program, (3) Awareness, confidence and physical effects, (4) Training with peers, (5) Funding and costs, and (6) Long-term continuation.
Conclusions
This study resulted in practical recommendations to optimize and further implement FPPs in practice. For successful implementation, FPPs should include recruitment via a personal approach, doing exercises with a focus on activities of daily living and situations in practice, and having exercise opportunities that follow-up on the FPP.
Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register: NL9248 (registered February 13 2021, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9248)
Keywords
Accidental falls, health program, focus group, experiences, preventive intervention
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 36 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Nov 2023 |
Keywords
- Accidental falls
- health program
- focus group
- experiences
- preventive intervention
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Dive into the research topics of 'Optimizing and implementing a community-based group fall prevention program: a mixed methods study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Research output
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Optimizing and Implementing a Community-Based Group Fall Prevention Program: A Mixed Methods Study
van Gameren, M., Voorn, P. B., Bosmans, J. E., Visser, B., Frazer, S. W. T., Pijnappels, M. & Bossen, D., Feb 2024, In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 21, 2, p. 1-17 17 p., 162.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access