Fellow: Evaluation and Monitoring Fall Prevention

In this research project, we develop a solution that supports stakeholders in (reflexive) monitoring, evaluating, and improving the inflow and progression of adults aged 65 and older within the “Fall Prevention” integrated care pathway. In addition, we generate insights into factors influencing the participation of older adults at risk and into behavioral determinants of sustained physical activity among older adults

Relevance

Each year, an increasing number of adults aged 65 and over visit the emergency department after a fall. To reduce this number, the national integrated care pathway “Fall Prevention” was developed. Local authorities are working to monitor and evaluate this integrated care pathway, but are facing challenges in its implementation. It remains unclear whether older adults at risk are being reached and to what extent older adults maintain their physical activity behavior after participating in fall prevention interventions.

• A functional, practice‑based solution for monitoring and evaluating the integrated care pathway “Fall Prevention”.
• A reflective and learning‑oriented working method for professionals and policymakers to optimize participation of adults aged 65 and over in the integrated care pathway “Fall Prevention”.
• Insights into factors that contribute to reaching vulnerable target groups for the integrated falls‑prevention approach.
• Insights into factors that support the maintenance of physical activity behavior among adults aged 65 and over.

This concerns a mixed‑methods study:
1. Using a design‑based research approach, we develop and test a (reflexive) monitoring and evaluation solution for municipalities through co‑design.
2. Within a participatory research approach, we collaborate with neighborhood teams and the 65-plus group.

Fall prevention is a key topic for current and future health and social care professionals working with adults aged 65 and over. The outcomes of this research can be incorporated into fall‑prevention education within the various health and social care programs at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, as well as within the Physiotherapy Science program at Utrecht University.
Bachelor’s and master’s students can contribute to the project through internships, minors, and graduation assignments. The Master’s program in Geriatric Physiotherapy and the ICT program are already participating.