scholarly journals INTEREST GROUP SESSION—HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE: USING DATA ABOUT PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS TO IMPROVE FALL PREVENTION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S566-S566
Author(s):  
Gwen Bergen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Prevention Strategies

Abstract Over one in four U.S. older adults (age 65+) reports falling each year with fall-related medical costs estimated at $50 billion. The American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatrics Society Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention of Falls in Older Persons recommends that healthcare providers assess and manage their patients’ fall risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) initiative helps healthcare providers incorporate these guidelines by providing tools on how to screen, assess, and intervene to reduce risk. Evaluations of fall prevention have focused on the clinical process and outcomes. Understanding clinical activities is important in fall prevention but a better understanding of older adult characteristics that increase fall-risk, and attitudes that may affect their adoption of evidence-based interventions could improve the effectiveness of prevention strategies. The five presentations in this session include: 1. Demographic, health and functional characteristics of older adults with increased fall risk. 2. Caregivers of people with chronic conditions or disability as a group with increased fall risk. 3. The most effective and efficient ways of identifying older adults with increased fall risk. 4. Facilitators and barriers to older adults’ adherence to evidence-based fall interventions. 5. Applying knowledge of older adult attitudes to improving an implementation of STEADI-based fall prevention. Multifactorial fall prevention strategies such as STEADI focus on the clinical aspects of fall prevention but their success depends on understanding and incorporating older adult characteristics and attitudes. The information presented in this session can inform fall prevention strategies and improve health.

scholarly journals Comparison of Older Adult and Healthcare Provider Beliefs About Fall Prevention Strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 939-940
Author(s):  
Gwen Bergen ◽  
Ankita Henry ◽  
Yara Haddad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Prevention Strategies

Abstract Older adults reported about 36 million falls in 2018. Although effective strategies are available to minimize fall risk, little is known about older adults’ and healthcare providers’ awareness of these strategies. This study describes and compares older adults’ and healthcare providers’ beliefs about fall prevention strategies. Demographic and fall-related data for older adults were obtained from the 2019 fall cohort of Porter Novelli ConsumerStyles. Similar data from primary care practitioners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, were gathered from the 2019 cohort of DocStyles. Percentages and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare older adults and providers. Most providers (91.3%) and older adults (85.1%) believed falls can be prevented. High percentages of providers and older adults identified strength and balance exercises (90.7% and 82.8% respectively) and making homes safer (90.5% and 79.9% respectively) as strategies that help prevent falls. More providers reported that Tai Chi (45.7%) and managing medications (84.2%) can prevent falls compared to older adults (21.7% and 24.0% respectively; p<0.0001). Sizable percentages of providers and older adults endorsed less evidence-based strategies including aerobic exercise (70.7% and 58.4% respectively) and being more careful (69.3% and 81.6% respectively). Among older adults, lower endorsement of evidence-based strategies (e.g., Tai Chi, medication management) coupled with higher endorsement of limited evidence-based strategies (e.g., being careful, aerobic exercise) suggest some older adults lack awareness of effective fall prevention interventions. Increased patient and provider communication can increase awareness about the benefits of evidence-based strategies for fall prevention.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Care Among Older Adults Identified as Fall Risk During a Hospital Stay

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 139-139
Author(s):  
Barbara King
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Common Strategy ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Perceptions Of Care

Abstract In-hospital falls are a significant clinical, legal and regulatory problem. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid no longer reimburse hospitals for falls that result in injury, adding increase pressure on acute care settings to prevent falls. Additionally, evidence-based practice recommendations for fall prevention in hospitals do not exist, thus leaving administrators to create their own programs. One common strategy used by hospital providers to prevent falls is to restrict patient mobility. Little information on how older adult patients experience fall prevention during a hospital stay has been published. The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions of care among older adults identified as fall risk during a hospital stay. This qualitative study utilized inductive content analysis. Older adults (N=20) from a large academic medical center in the Midwest were recruited to participate in one-to one in-depth interviews. Open coding, categorization and abstraction was used to analyze the data. Three main categories were identified that summarized the older adult patient perception of hospitalization: Act of Caring, something they received from staff, provide to staff or provided to self; Being Restricted in movement resulting in either accepting or rejecting the restriction and Being Freed at discharge, often being told “just be careful”. Older adult identified as fall risk described being restricted in movement during a hospital stay. Many passively accepted this restriction even though they felt a lack of movement would be harmful to them. Additional research on the patient experience with fall prevention is needed.

scholarly journals The Experience and Perception of Physiotherapists in Nigeria re: Fall Prevention in Recurrent-Faller Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perpetua Obi ◽  
Henrietha Nwankwo ◽  
Diaemeta Emofe ◽  
Isreal Adandom ◽  
Michael Kalu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Developing Nations ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
History Of

Background: Effective fall prevention practices are essential for reducing falls among older adults. Rehabilitation professionals like physiotherapists are essential members of the fall prevention team, yet little is known about the experiences of physiotherapists practicing fall prevention in developing nations. Objective: To explore the experiences of physiotherapists in Nigeria who practice fall prevention among older adults. Method: We adopted a phenomenological approach to the traditional qualitative design in this study. We purposefully selected and conducted face-to-face interview with twelve physiotherapists who have treated at least one older adult who reported falling two or three times within last six months. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from our participants: characteristics of recurrent fallers, fall prevention practices, hindrances to fall prevention, and strategies to promote fall prevention practices. In practice, understanding the characteristics (risk factors) of older adults with a history of recurrent falls is important for effective fall prevention practices among physiotherapists. Among other characteristics, our participants believed that older adults who have patronized “traditional bone setters/healer” are at the higher risk of having multiple falls. Conclusion: This study adds to the sparse amount of literature concerning the experience of physiotherapist in fall prevention practices in the developing world. More importantly, the findings of this study will strengthen or stimulate discussion around development of fall prevention strategies specific to the developing world context.

scholarly journals Implementing Effective, Evidence-Based Older Adult Fall Prevention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 773-774
Author(s):  
Gwen Bergen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Medical Costs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Core Components

Abstract Over one in four older adults (65 years and older) in the US reports falling annually with estimated medical costs of $50 billion. Evidence-based strategies exist that can reduce falls with one of the most promising being multifactorial, clinically-based initiatives such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) Initiative. STEADI includes three core components for health care providers: screen for risk factors, assess modifiable factors, and intervene to reduce falls with evidence-based strategies. Barriers to implementation include competing patient demands and limited time during patient visits. Efficient, effective implementation of clinical fall prevention is important to increase the use of multifactorial interventions. In addition, understanding older adult attitudes about the preventability of falls is needed to increase patient adherence to prescribed interventions. This symposium will cover:1. Background data on older adult falls over time,2. Description of an initial implementation of STEADI in an outpatient, Southeastern clinical practice including lessons learned,3. Attitudes of older adults toward fall prevention with implications for health promotion,4. Process evaluation of an ongoing implementation of STEADI in New York State with lessons learned. Understanding practical methods of implementing the three core components of fall prevention into practice supports wider dissemination of evidence-based fall prevention, while understanding patient attitudes toward falls informs the design of health promotion approaches to increase patient uptake of prescribed interventions. Wider dissemination and increased patient adherence in combination can reduce older adult falls and their associated medical costs.

scholarly journals HOW TO STEADI YOUR PATIENTS WITH THE COORDINATED CARE PLAN TO PREVENT OLDER ADULT FALLS AND EVALUATION GUIDE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S857-S858
Author(s):  
Janice A Mark
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Fall Prevention Program ◽  
Risk Patients

Abstract Falls are common, costly, and the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Reports show that fall death rates are increasing. Healthcare providers play an important role in fall prevention but few talk to their patients about falls. This lack of communication demonstrates the need for more physician-initiated fall prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) initiative to help providers talk to their patients about falls. Specifically, CDC’s new STEADI-based fall prevention program, the Coordinated Care Plan to Prevent Older Adult Falls (CCP) and Evaluation Guide for Older Adult Clinical Fall Prevention Programs can assist healthcare providers in integrating and evaluating new fall prevention programs that screen older adults for fall risk, assess patients’ modifiable fall risk factors, and implement evidenced-based fall prevention interventions (e.g., medication management, physical therapy). The CCP offers guidance for incorporating a STEADI-based fall prevention program including how to engage leadership, integrate with existing clinic workflow and electronic health records, and strategies on how to obtain reimbursement for fall prevention. The Evaluation Plan offers details on how to engage stakeholders, collect data, interpret findings and how to share results for maximum impact. Both documents were based on lessons learned from successful implementation of STEADI-based programs in primary care. A STEADI-based program in New York found fewer fall-related hospitalizations among at-risk patients who received a fall prevention care plan compared to at-risk patients who did not receive a care plan.

scholarly journals The Influence of Older Adults’ Beliefs and Attitudes on Adopting Fall Prevention Behaviors

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy A. Stevens ◽  
David A. Sleet ◽  
Laurence Z. Rubenstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Injury Death ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Control And Prevention

Among Americans aged 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury death and disability, and finding effective methods to prevent older adult falls has become a public health priority. While research has identified effective interventions delivered in community and clinical settings, persuading older adults to adopt these interventions has been challenging. Older adults often do not acknowledge or recognize their fall risk. Many see falls as an inevitable consequence of aging. Health care providers can play an important role by identifying older adults who are likely to fall and providing clinical interventions to help reduce fall risks. Many older people respect the information and advice they receive from their providers. Health care practitioners can encourage patients to adopt effective fall prevention strategies by helping them understand and acknowledge their fall risk while emphasizing the positive benefits of fall prevention such as remaining independent. To help clinicians integrate fall prevention into their practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative. It provides health care providers in primary care settings with resources to help them screen older adult patients, assess their fall risk, and provide effective interventions.

scholarly journals A Survey Assessing Kansas Physician Assistants' Attitudes/Beliefs and Current Practices Regarding Implementation of Fall Prevention Strategies in Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
LaDonna S. Hale ◽  
Shelton J. Fraser ◽  
Kayla R. Keuter ◽  
Felecia A. Lee ◽  
Gina M. Berg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Professional Responsibility ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Injury Death ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
Current Practices

Background. Falls are the leading cause of injury death, nursing home placement, and hospital trauma admissions in older adults. Although guidelines to reduce falls have been available for over a decade, routine implementation by healthcare providers is less than optimal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes/beliefs and current practices of Kansas physician assistants (PAs) regarding fall assessment/prevention strategies in older adults and barriers to implementing strategies into daily practice. Methods. A 67-item survey was mailed to all 760 Kansas PAs in 2009; 152 responded. Logistic regressions were performed on current fall prevention practices (exercise, home safety, medications, and vision) to determine attitudes, beliefs, and barriers associated with implementation. Results. Most PAs believe falls are preventable (87%) and implementation of various prevention strategies are their professional responsibility (88% - 96%); yet, less than 50% routinely implement them. Barriers included lack of time (27%), lack of staff (26%), and feeling ill-prepared (18%). Multiple logistic regressions revealed correlations among implementing the medication review strategy and lack of time as well as practicing the exercise strategy and lack of time and awareness of local exercise programs. Conclusions. PAs are aware of the importance of fall prevention, believe falls are preventable, and believe it is their professional responsibility to implement fall prevention strategies with their older adult patients. However, most do not implement strategies in their practice due to a variety of internal and logistical barriers. Fall prevention materials/tools that are practical, simple, inexpensive, and require little implementation time may overcome barriers.

scholarly journals Implications of Older Adult Attitudes Toward the Preventability of Falls for Health Promotion

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 774-774
Author(s):  
Gwen Bergen ◽  
Janice Mark ◽  
Ankita Henry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Stage Of Change ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Action Stage

Abstract Older adults’ behavioral stage of change for adopting fall prevention interventions, and their use of evidence-based interventions are not well understood. A survey was administered to older adults (65 years+) (n=1063) to understand their stage of change and fall prevention behaviors. Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regression conducted to determine factors most related to stage. The distribution of subjects by stage was precontemplation (17%), contemplation (2%), preparation (5%), action (15%), and maintenance (61%). The strongest variable related to being in an action stage (preparation, action, maintenance) was screening positively for fall risk (Risk Ratio: 8.7, 95% CI: 5.4, 14.1). The most common preventive actions for those in an action stage were taking Vitamin D (37%), and having vision tested (30%). Older adults at risk for a fall are ready to take action to prevent falls; health promotion should focus on increasing knowledge and use of different evidence-based interventions.

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