STROLL SAFE OUTDOOR FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

Abstract

AbstractFall prevention programs have largely focused on indoor falls. To fill this gap, the Stroll Safe outdoor fall prevention program was developed using the Ecological and Health Belief Models and research on common causes and locations of outdoor falls as a guide. The 7-week educational intervention includes didactic presentations, group discussion/problem solving, mobility training, and self-advocacy regarding reporting environmental hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the program’s feasibility and to use the findings to plan a large scale efficacy trial. Consistent with suggested guidelines for feasibility studies, process, scientific, management and resource assessments were conducted. Feasibility was assessed quantitatively using retention rates and attendance records, and qualitatively using a fidelity assessment, reflective log, and an audio recorded focus group. The scientific assessment included descriptive statistics to explore trends pertaining to changes in fall prevention strategy use, concern about falling outdoors, and number of slips, trips and falls outdoors from study enrollment through 2 month follow up. Findings included successful recruitment (N=24, 100%) and retention of the majority of participants (83%), and predominantly positive participant feedback, with no adverse events. The Stroll Safe program appears to be feasible to implement among active, community-dwelling older adults. Feedback was obtained to refine the program and research methodology for a larger study, including considerations for hiring and training of research assistants, staffing, program content, and choice of measures. Preliminary results reveal program benefits including increased use of prevention strategies and a decrease in trips, slips and falls.