Implementing an evidence-based fall prevention intervention in community senior centers

F. Li, P. Harmer and K. Fitzgerald

American Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 106, issue 11, 2026-2031

Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate the impact of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention intervention in community senior centers. Methods. We used a single-group design to evaluate the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program's adoption, population reach, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance among 36 senior centers in 4 Oregon counties between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome measure, as part of the effectiveness evaluation, was number of falls as ascertained by self-report. Trained TJQMBB instructors delivered the program to community-dwelling older adults for 48 weeks, with a 6-month postintervention follow-up. Results. TJQMBB was adopted by 89% of the senior centers approached and reached 90% of the target population. The program resulted in a 49% reduction in the total number of falls and improved physical performance. Participation was well maintained after the program's completion. The average cost-effectiveness ratio for the 48-week program implementation was $917 per fall prevented and $676 per fall prevented for multiple falls. Conclusions. TJQMBB is an effective public health program that can be broadly implemented in community senior centers for primary prevention of falls among community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords: adoption; adult; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; follow up; human; multicenter study; Oregon; physical performance; primary prevention; public health; self report; senior center; Tai Chi; aged; body equilibrium; cost benefit analysis; economics; falling; female; fitness; male; organization and management; prevention and control; procedures; senior center; very elderly, Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Humans; Male; Physical Fitness; Postural Balance; Senior Centers; Tai Ji (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303386_8

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303386

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