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Abstract Background Approximately 1 in 5 older adults in Ireland experience recurrent falls. Consequences of falls include functional decline, fear of falling, reduced participation in activities, hospitalisation and mortality (TILDA, 2017). Increased prevalence of frailty and falls related admissions was identified on this acute older persons’ ward. Therapists found it increasingly difficult to provide comprehensive falls intervention given the ward’s quick turnover and increasing caseloads. Methods A joint occupational therapy and physiotherapy falls and balance group was piloted. Weekly once off group sessions were provided to patients over a two-month period. Inclusion criteria included patients who had/were at fear/risk of falling, and demonstrated the cognitive capacity to engage/attend to information in a group setting. Clinical indicators included Timed Up and Go (TUG), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and the PRISMA 7. The group consisted of an educational and practical component including elements from the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP). Qualitative participant feedback was gathered post group attendance and qualitative descriptive analysis was used for evaluation. Results A total of 35 patients attended this group over the two-month pilot period. Participants’ mean age was 79 years, with 54.3% being female. 80% had a history of falling. 63% were living with mild to moderate frailty (CFS 4-6) with an average TUG time of 19.3 seconds. An open-ended questionnaire highlighted that 31 participants found the group beneficial with 68.6% valuing the peer support element. 94.2% found their knowledge on falls prevention increased, with 77.1% commenting on their increased awareness of the importance of regular physical activity in falls prevention. Conclusion This intervention successfully increased the quality of falls intervention provided on this acute older persons’ ward and effectively increased participants’ awareness/knowledge of falls intervention. It was feasible to deliver this group on an acute ward within existing therapy resources.
Ryan et al. (Sun,) studied this question.