Optimizing and Implementing a Community-Based Group Fall Prevention Program: A Mixed Methods Study

Maaike van Gameren, Paul B. Voorn, Judith E. Bosmans, Bart Visser, Sanne W. T. Frazer, Mirjam Pijnappels and Daniël Bossen ()
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Maaike van Gameren: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Paul B. Voorn: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Judith E. Bosmans: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Bart Visser: Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sanne W. T. Frazer: Consumer Safety Institute (VeiligheidNL), 1062 XD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Mirjam Pijnappels: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Daniël Bossen: Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: accidental falls; health program; focus group; experiences; preventive intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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