Knowledge translation for falls prevention: The view from Canada

Abstract

Researchers have now conclusively demonstrated that many falls in older adults can be prevented, and that the interventions can produce cost-savings. Because most falls are multifactorial, falls prevention interventions can involve several approaches delivered by numerous health care professions in multiple settings. These complexities may make knowledge translation (KT) more challenging than with simpler interventions for specific diseases. After describing these complexities and reviewing the evidence base for falls prevention, this paper examines the few published demonstrations of KT in falls prevention. It continues with a description of the visibility and accessibility of falls prevention Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the websites of four key Canadian health professional associations: nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and physicians. The paper concludes with a review of published studies of KT in falls prevention in Canadian health care settings, including research on care or treatment gaps in falls prevention and the uptake of CPGs. Impact on Industry Those in the long term care and hospital industries may use the findings when considering fall prevention programs. This paper does not cover occupational falls, and participants in the referenced studies will be past conventional retirement age.