TY - JOUR
T1 - Optimizing and Implementing a Community-Based Group Fall Prevention Program
T2 - A Mixed Methods Study
AU - van Gameren, Maaike
AU - Voorn, Paul B.
AU - Bosmans, Judith E.
AU - Visser, Bart
AU - Frazer, Sanne W. T.
AU - Pijnappels, Mirjam
AU - Bossen, Daniël
N1 - (This article belongs to the Section Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation).
The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/ijerph21020162/s1, Appendix S1: Evaluation In Balance program.
PY - 2024/2
Y1 - 2024/2
N2 - Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are associated with decreased health. Therefore, fall prevention programs (FPPs) are increasingly important. However, the translation of such complex programs into clinical practice lacks insight into factors that influence implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify how to optimize and further implement a widely used group-based FPP in the Netherlands among participants, therapists and stakeholders using a mixed methods study. FPP participants and therapists filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the FPP. Moreover, three focus groups were conducted with FPP participants, one with therapists and one with other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke. Overall, 93% of the 104 FPP participants were satisfied with the FPP and 86% (n = 12) of the therapists would recommend the FPP to older adults with balance or mobility difficulties. Moreover, six themes were identified regarding further 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. This study resulted in practical recommendations for optimizing and further implementing FPPs in practice.
AB - Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are associated with decreased health. Therefore, fall prevention programs (FPPs) are increasingly important. However, the translation of such complex programs into clinical practice lacks insight into factors that influence implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify how to optimize and further implement a widely used group-based FPP in the Netherlands among participants, therapists and stakeholders using a mixed methods study. FPP participants and therapists filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the FPP. Moreover, three focus groups were conducted with FPP participants, one with therapists and one with other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke. Overall, 93% of the 104 FPP participants were satisfied with the FPP and 86% (n = 12) of the therapists would recommend the FPP to older adults with balance or mobility difficulties. Moreover, six themes were identified regarding further 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. This study resulted in practical recommendations for optimizing and further implementing FPPs in practice.
KW - accidental falls
KW - health program
KW - focus group
KW - experiences
KW - preventive intervention
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85186447463&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/ijerph21020162
DO - 10.3390/ijerph21020162
M3 - Article
C2 - 38397653
SN - 1661-7827
VL - 21
JO - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
IS - 2
M1 - 162
ER -