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Meulenbroeks I, Mercado C, Gates P, Nguyen A, Seaman K, Wabe N, Silva SM, Zheng WY, Debono D, Westbrook J. Effectiveness of fall prevention interventions in residential aged care and community settings: an umbrella review. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:75. [PMID: 38243175 PMCID: PMC10799511 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04624-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preventing falls is a priority for aged care providers. Research to date has focused on fall prevention strategies in single settings (e.g., residential aged care (RAC) or community settings). However, some aged care providers deliver care, including fall prevention interventions, across RAC and community settings. We conducted an umbrella review to identify what type of fall prevention interventions had the greatest impact on falls outcomes in RAC and community settings. METHODS Five databases were searched for systematic reviews of falls prevention randomised control trials in older adults living in the community or RAC. Data extracted included systematic review methods, population characteristics, intervention characteristics, setting details (RAC or community), and fall-related outcomes (falls, people who have had a fall, fall-related hospitalisations, and fall-related fractures). Review quality was appraised using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 tool. RESULTS One-hundred and six systematic reviews were included; 63 and 19 of these stratified results by community and RAC settings respectively, the remainder looked at both settings. The most common intervention types discussed in reviews included 'exercise' (61%, n = 65), 'multifactorial' (two or more intervention types delivered together) (26%, n = 28), and 'vitamin D' (18%, n = 19). In RAC and community settings, 'exercise' interventions demonstrated the most consistent reduction in falls and people who have had a fall compared to other intervention types. 'Multifactorial' interventions were also beneficial in both settings however demonstrated more consistent reduction in falls and people who fall in RAC settings compared to community settings. 'Vitamin D' interventions may be beneficial in community-dwelling populations but not in RAC settings. It was not possible to stratify fall-related hospitalisation and fall-related fracture outcomes by setting due to limited number of RAC-specific reviews (n = 3 and 0 respectively). CONCLUSION 'Exercise' interventions may be the most appropriate falls prevention intervention for older adults in RAC and community settings as it is beneficial for multiple fall-related outcomes (falls, fall-related fractures, and people who have had a fall). Augmenting 'exercise' interventions to become 'multifactorial' interventions may also improve the incidence of falls in both settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Meulenbroeks
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Crisostomo Mercado
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Peter Gates
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
- National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Nguyen
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla Seaman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Nasir Wabe
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Sandun M Silva
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Wu Yi Zheng
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah Debono
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Johanna Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
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Mohr S, Müller C, Hildebrand F, Laubach M. [Fall prevention in old people through occupational therapy home assessment, consultation and modification: a process outline]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 56:408-414. [PMID: 36070010 PMCID: PMC10406676 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-022-02103-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Falls occur frequently in old people and are associated with relevant short-term and long-term trauma sequelae. Particularly in the light of demographic change, preventive measures such as falls prevention are increasingly gaining in importance. Occupational therapy home assessments enable the evaluation of external and behavioral risk factors for falls in the context of environmental prevention. Environmental prevention is an effective measure in preventing morbidity and mortality related to falls in old people and the increase in healthcare costs associated with falls. Occupational therapy home assessments effectively reduce fall risk and fall rate among older people at risk of falling and can be implemented in the context of existing regulatory frameworks. The aim of this overview is to illustrate the optimal process of home assessment and adaptation for patients at risk of falling by general practitioners, orthopedic surgeons and occupational therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mohr
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, Niederlande
- Ergo Unterwegs GbR, Bruchsal, Deutschland
| | - Christian Müller
- SHG-Bildung, Fachschule für Ergotherapie, Saarbrücken, Deutschland
| | - Frank Hildebrand
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Markus Laubach
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland.
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Clemson L, Stark S, Pighills AC, Fairhall NJ, Lamb SE, Ali J, Sherrington C. Environmental interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 3:CD013258. [PMID: 36893804 PMCID: PMC9998238 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013258.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and fall-related injuries are common. A third of community-dwelling people aged over 65 years fall each year. Falls can have serious consequences including restricting activity or institutionalisation. This review updates the previous evidence for environmental interventions in fall prevention. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of environmental interventions (such as fall-hazard reduction, assistive technology, home modifications, and education) for preventing falls in older people living in the community. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, other databases, trial registers, and reference lists of systematic reviews to January 2021. We contacted researchers in the field to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of environmental interventions (such as reduction of fall hazards in the home, assistive devices) on falls in community-residing people aged 60 years and over. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcome was rate of falls. MAIN RESULTS We included 22 studies from 10 countries involving 8463 community-residing older people. Participants were on average 78 years old, and 65% were women. For fall outcomes, five studies had high risk of bias and most studies had unclear risk of bias for one or more risk of bias domains. For other outcomes (e.g. fractures), most studies were at high risk of detection bias. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for high risk of bias, imprecision, and/or inconsistency. Home fall-hazard reduction (14 studies, 5830 participants) These interventions aim to reduce falls by assessing fall hazards and making environmental safety adaptations (e.g. non-slip strips on steps) or behavioural strategies (e.g. avoiding clutter). Home fall-hazard interventions probably reduce the overall rate of falls by 26% (rate ratio (RaR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 0.91; 12 studies, 5293 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); based on a control group risk of 1319 falls per 1000 people a year, this is 343 (95% CI 118 to 514) fewer falls. However, these interventions were more effective in people who are selected for higher risk of falling, with a reduction of 38% (RaR 0.62, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.70; 9 studies, 1513 participants; 702 (95% CI 554 to 812) fewer falls based on a control risk of 1847 falls per 1000 people; high-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of a reduction in rate of falls when people were not selected for fall risk (RaR 1.05, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.16; 6 studies, 3780 participants; high-certainty evidence). Findings were similar for the number of people experiencing one or more falls. These interventions probably reduce the overall risk by 11% (risk ratio (RR) 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; 12 studies, 5253 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); based on a risk of 519 per 1000 people per year, this is 57 (95% CI 15 to 93) fewer fallers. However, for people at higher risk of falling, we found a 26% decrease in risk (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.85; 9 studies, 1473 participants), but no decrease for unselected populations (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.07; 6 studies, 3780 participants) (high-certainty evidence). These interventions probably make little or no important difference to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (standardised mean difference 0.09, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.27; 5 studies, 1848 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). They may make little or no difference to the risk of fall-related fractures (RR 1.00, 95% 0.98 to 1.02; 2 studies, 1668 participants), fall-related hospitalisations (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.06; 3 studies, 325 participants), or in the rate of falls requiring medical attention (RaR 0.91, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.43; 3 studies, 946 participants) (low-certainty evidence). The evidence for number of fallers requiring medical attention was unclear (2 studies, 216 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported no adverse events. Assistive technology Vision improvement interventions may make little or no difference to the rate of falls (RaR 1.12, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.50; 3 studies, 1489 participants) or people experiencing one or more falls (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.50) (low-certainty evidence). We are unsure of the evidence for fall-related fractures (2 studies, 976 participants) and falls requiring medical attention (1 study, 276 participants) because the certainty of the evidence is very low. There may be little or no difference in HRQoL (mean difference 0.40, 95% CI -1.12 to 1.92) or adverse events (falls while switching glasses; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.02) (1 study, 597 participants; low-certainty evidence). Results for other assistive technology - footwear and foot devices, and self-care and assistive devices (5 studies, 651 participants) - were not pooled due to the diversity of interventions and contexts. Education We are uncertain whether an education intervention to reduce home fall hazards reduces the rate of falls or the number of people experiencing one or more falls (1 study; very low-certainty evidence). These interventions may make little or no difference to the risk of fall-related fractures (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.08; 1 study, 110 participants; low-certainty evidence). Home modifications We found no trials of home modifications that measured falls as an outcome for task enablement and functional independence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found high-certainty evidence that home fall-hazard interventions are effective in reducing the rate of falls and the number of fallers when targeted to people at higher risk of falling, such as having had a fall in the past year and recently hospitalised or needing support with daily activities. There was evidence of no effect when interventions were targeted to people not selected for risk of falling. Further research is needed to examine the impact of intervention components, the effect of awareness raising, and participant-interventionist engagement on decision-making and adherence. Vision improvement interventions may or may not impact the rate of falls. Further research is needed to answer clinical questions such as whether people should be given advice or take additional precautions when changing eye prescriptions, or whether the intervention is more effective when targeting people at higher risk of falls. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether education interventions impact falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy Clemson
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan Stark
- Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alison C Pighills
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Mackay, Australia
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Nicola J Fairhall
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- College of Medicine and Health , University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jinnat Ali
- Faculty of Health Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Sherrington
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Tynan A, Pighills A, White W, Eden A, Mickan S. Implementing best practice occupational therapist‐led environmental assessment and modification to prevent falls: A qualitative study of two regional and rural public health services in Australia. Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 70:202-217. [PMID: 36367120 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational therapist-led environmental assessment and modification (EAM) is effective in reducing falls for populations at high risk. Two regional and rural public health services in Queensland devised an implementation strategy to embed best practice occupational therapist-led EAM. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted to compare the determinants of implementation success across the different health services, using the COM-B model of behaviour change. Six semi-structured interviews were completed with occupational therapists involved at each site, following 12 months of implementation. Interview data were triangulated with minutes from three combined site steering committee meetings, eight local steering committee meetings, and field notes. Thematic analysis was completed to compare barriers and facilitators to best practice uptake of EAM and differences in outcomes between the two sites. RESULTS Both sites commenced implementation with similar states of capability and motivation. After 12 months, one site considered that practice change had been embedded as noted in steering committee minutes and comments; however, the other site observed limited progress. According to the COM-B analysis, opportunity (the factors that lie outside the individual's control) had a significant influence on how both sites were able to respond to the practice change and navigate some of the unexpected challenges that emerged, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing team structure, multiple responsibilities of key stakeholders, differences in access to resources, and lack of connection between complementary services meant that COVID-19 disruptions were only a catalyst for unveiling other systemic issues. CONCLUSION This study highlights the power of external factors on influencing behaviour change for best practice implementation. Learnings from the study will provide deeper understanding of completing implementation projects in regional and rural contexts and support the future implementation of EAM in occupational therapy clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tynan
- Research Support Team Baillie Henderson Hospital, Darling Downs Health Toowoomba Queensland Australia
- Southern Queensland Rural Health The University of Queensland Toowoomba Queensland Australia
- The Centre for Health Research University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Campus Springfield Central Queensland Australia
| | - Alison Pighills
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine James Cook University Douglas Queensland Australia
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation Mackay Hospital and Health Service Mackay Queensland Australia
| | - Wendy White
- Community Health Darling Downs Health Toowoomba Queensland Australia
| | - Alicia Eden
- Community Health and Therapy Services Mackay Hospital and Health Service Mackay Queensland Australia
| | - Sharon Mickan
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine Bond University Gold Coast Queensland Australia
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Shafizadeh M, Parvinpour S, Ali K. Effect of home-based exercise on falls in community-dwelling older adults: an umbrella review. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 19:1-14. [PMID: 35967546 PMCID: PMC9360689 DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-00993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aims The aim of this review study was to examine the effectiveness of home-based and community-based exercise programmes in the rate of falls and improving physical functioning in community-dwelling older adults. Methods All types of home-based and community-based exercise interventions were searched. From 1186 studies identified, 14 studies were selected for the umbrella review. Most studies had high methodological quality. The types of interventions were multi-functional programmes (n = 11 studies) and Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) (n = 3 studies). Results The results showed that home-based and community-based exercise interventions can reduce falls by 22-32%. Studies that included meta-analysis showed that the clinical significance of home-based interventions in fall prevention and improving physical function was moderate to high. Conclusions In conclusion, home-based and community-based exercise interventions are a safe, effective, and feasible method of fall prevention that could be implemented with minimum supervision by allied health professionals to maximise autonomy, self-efficacy, and adherence in community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahab Parvinpour
- Motor Behavior Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, No.43.South Mofatteh Ave, Tehran, 15719-14911 Iran
| | - Khalid Ali
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Ng BP, Lu J, Tiu GF, Thiamwong L, Zhong Y. Bathroom modifications among community-dwelling older adults who experience falls in the United States: A cross-sectional study. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:253-263. [PMID: 33894087 PMCID: PMC10028600 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Falls impose substantial health and economic burdens on older adults. Over half of falls in older adults occur at home, with many involving bathroom areas. Limited information is available on the presence of bathroom modifications for those who experience them. Therefore, we examined factors associated with bathroom modifications among older adults with at least one fall in the United States. We analysed the nationally representative 2016 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use File of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with ≥1 fall (n = 2,404). A survey-weighted logistic model was used to examine associations between bathroom modifications and factors including socio-demographic characteristics, health-related conditions, and fear of falling. Among Medicare beneficiaries with ≥1 fall, 55.5% had bathroom modifications and 50.1% had repeated falls (≥2 falls). Approximately 40.2% of those with repeated falls had no bathroom modifications. In the adjusted model, non-Hispanic Blacks (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38; p < 0.001) and Hispanics (OR = 0.64; p = 0.039) had lower odds of having bathroom modifications than non-Hispanic Whites. Fear of falling and activities of daily living limitations had incremental impacts on having bathroom modifications. This study highlights the need to improve disparities in bathroom modifications for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries, including those with repeated falls. With the aging population and growing number of older minorities in the United States, reducing these disparities is vital for fall prevention efforts and aging-in-place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boon Peng Ng
- College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Disability, Aging, and Technology Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jingping Lu
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Georgianne F. Tiu
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ladda Thiamwong
- College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Disability, Aging, and Technology Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - YunYing Zhong
- Disability, Aging, and Technology Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Department of Hospitality Service, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Cockayne S, Pighills A, Adamson J, Fairhurst C, Crossland S, Drummond A, Hewitt CE, Rodgers S, Ronaldson SJ, McCaffery J, Whiteside K, Scantlebury A, Robinson-Smith L, Cochrane A, Lamb SE, Boyes S, Gilbody S, Relton C, Torgerson DJ. Home environmental assessments and modification delivered by occupational therapists to reduce falls in people aged 65 years and over: the OTIS RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-118. [PMID: 34254934 PMCID: PMC8287374 DOI: 10.3310/hta25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and fall-related fractures are highly prevalent among older people and are a major contributor to morbidity and costs to individuals and society. Only one small pilot trial has evaluated the effectiveness of a home hazard assessment and environmental modification in the UK. This trial reported a reduction in falls as a secondary outcome, and no economic evaluation was undertaken. Therefore, the results need to be confirmed and a cost-effectiveness analysis needs to be undertaken. OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a home hazard assessment and environmental modification delivered by occupational therapists for preventing falls among community-dwelling people aged ≥ 65 years who are at risk of falling, relative to usual care. DESIGN This was a pragmatic, multicentre, modified cohort randomised controlled trial with an economic evaluation and a qualitative study. SETTING Eight NHS trusts in primary and secondary care in England. PARTICIPANTS In total, 1331 participants were randomised (intervention group, n = 430; usual-care group, n = 901) via a secure, remote service. Blinding was not possible. INTERVENTIONS All participants received a falls prevention leaflet and routine care from their general practitioner. The intervention group were additionally offered one home environmental assessment and modifications recommended or provided to identify and manage personal fall-related hazards, delivered by an occupational therapist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the number of falls per participant during the 12 months from randomisation. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of fallers and multiple fallers, time to fall, fear of falling, fracture rate, health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS The primary analysis included all 1331 randomised participants and indicated weak evidence of a difference in fall rate between the two groups, with an increase in the intervention group relative to usual care (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.38; p = 0.07). A similar proportion of participants in the intervention group (57.0%) and the usual-care group (56.2%) reported at least one fall over 12 months. There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes. The base-case cost-effectiveness analysis from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective found that, on average per participant, the intervention was associated with additional costs (£18.78, 95% confidence interval £16.33 to £21.24), but was less effective (mean quality-adjusted life-year loss -0.0042, 95% confidence interval -0.0041 to -0.0043). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated uncertainty in these findings. No serious, related adverse events were reported. The intervention was largely delivered as intended, but recommendations were followed to a varying degree. LIMITATIONS Outcome data were self-reported by participants, which may have led to inaccuracies in the reported falls data. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that an occupational therapist-delivered home assessment and modification reduced falls in this population of community-dwelling participants aged ≥ 65 years deemed at risk of falling. The intervention was more expensive and less effective than usual care, and therefore it does not provide a cost-effective alternative to usual care. FUTURE WORK An evaluation of falls prevention advice in a higher-risk population, perhaps those previously hospitalised for a fall, or given by other professional staff could be justified. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN22202133. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 46. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cockayne
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Alison Pighills
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation, Queensland Health, Mackay Base Hospital, Mackay, QLD, Australia
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Joy Adamson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Caroline Fairhurst
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Avril Drummond
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine E Hewitt
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sara Rodgers
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sarah J Ronaldson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jennifer McCaffery
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Katie Whiteside
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Lyn Robinson-Smith
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ann Cochrane
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- Institute of Health Research, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Sophie Boyes
- York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Clare Relton
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David J Torgerson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Taylor ME, Wesson J, Sherrington C, Hill KD, Kurrle S, Lord SR, Brodaty H, Howard K, O’Rourke SD, Clemson L, Payne N, Toson B, Webster L, Savage R, Zelma G, Koch C, John B, Lockwood K, Close JCT. Tailored Exercise and Home Hazard Reduction Program for Fall Prevention in Older People With Cognitive Impairment: The i-FOCIS Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 76:655-665. [DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The evidence to support effective fall prevention strategies in older people with cognitive impairment (CI) is limited. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to determine the efficacy of a fall prevention intervention in older people with CI.
Method
RCT involving 309 community-dwelling older people with CI. The intervention group (n = 153) received an individually prescribed home hazard reduction and home-based exercise program during the 12-month study period. The control group (n = 156) received usual care. The primary outcome was rate of falls. Secondary outcomes included faller/multiple faller status, physical function, and quality of life.
Results
Participants’ average age was 82 years (95% CI 82–83) and 49% were female. There was no significant difference in the rate of falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.73–1.51). A sensitivity analysis, controlling for baseline differences and capping the number of falls at 12 (4 participants), revealed a nonsignificant reduction in fall rate in the intervention group (IRR 0.78; 95% CI 0.57–1.07). Analyses of secondary outcomes indicated the intervention significantly reduced the number of multiple fallers by 26% (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.54–0.99) when adjusting for baseline differences. There was a differential impact on falls in relation to physical function (interaction term p-value = .023) with a significant reduction in fall rate in intervention group participants with better baseline physical function (IRR 0.60; 95% CI 0.37–0.98). There were no significant between-group differences for other secondary outcomes.
Conclusions
This intervention did not significantly reduce the fall rate in community-dwelling older people with CI. The intervention did reduce the fall rate in participants with better baseline physical function.
Clinical Trials Registration Number
Australian and New Zealand Trials Registry ACTRN12614000603617.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag E Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Wesson
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine Sherrington
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keith D Hill
- Rehabilitation Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Kurrle
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen R Lord
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten Howard
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra D O’Rourke
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lindy Clemson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Population Ageing Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Narelle Payne
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbara Toson
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lyndell Webster
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roslyn Savage
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Genevieve Zelma
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cecelia Koch
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Beatrice John
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keri Lockwood
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline C T Close
- Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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Effects of Enriched Physical Activity Environments on Balance and Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Scoping Review. J Aging Phys Act 2020; 29:178-191. [PMID: 32732456 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2019-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of falling, due to aging, is related to both personal and environmental factors. There is a clear need to understand the nature of the major risk factors and design features of a safe and navigable living environment for potential fallers. The aim of this scoping review was to identify studies that have examined the effectiveness of environments, which promote physical activity and have an impact on falls prevention. Selected studies were identified and categorized into four main topics: built environment, environment modifications, enriched environments, and task constraints. The results of this analysis showed that there are a limited number of studies aiming to enhance dynamic postural stability and fall prevention through designing more functional environments. This scoping review study suggests that the design of interventions and the evaluation of an environment to support fall prevention are topics for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Ganz
- From the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and the Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and the Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles - all in Los Angeles (D.A.G.); and the Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center for Function Promoting Therapies, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston (N.K.L.)
| | - Nancy K Latham
- From the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and the Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and the Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles - all in Los Angeles (D.A.G.); and the Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center for Function Promoting Therapies, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston (N.K.L.)
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