K.D. Hill’s research while affiliated with Curtin University and other places

Investigating older peoples’ preferences for receiving information about falls prevention could enhance communication and increase the uptake of relevant messages. The aim of the study was to examine the views and preferences of community-dwelling older adults about seeking and receiving falls prevention information. A community forum using a modified World Café approach was conducted. Participants explored and discussed five topics in small groups, under the guidance of café table facilitators. Perspectives were captured on paper. The main facilitator then led large group summation and discussion. Thematic analysis identified older peoples’ preferences for seeking information about falls prevention and factors that influenced their engagement with the messages. Participants (n=73) who attended the forum provided diverse perspectives around why and how they sought out falls prevention information. Personal experience of falling was the key factor that influenced a decision to seek information. Participants strongly emphasised that respectful, empathetic interpersonal communication about falls between health professionals and the older person was crucial to foster motivation to undertake recommended activities. While participants approached health professionals they also recommended that resources should be readily available through public libraries and seniors’ organisations. These were viewed as credible sources of information. Older people suggested a range of practical strategies that could potentially improve design, communication and dissemination of falls prevention information. Health professionals and organisations could use these findings to enhance effective presentation of falls prevention messages, thereby facilitating subsequent uptake of recommended strategies

Health education is an important means of raising older people’s knowledge and awareness about falls prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of delivering a new peer-led falls prevention education presentation on older community-dwelling peoples’:1) beliefs and knowledge about falls prevention; 2) motivation and intention to engage in falls prevention strategies; compared to delivering an existing presentation. A two-group quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used. A new falls prevention education program was designed, which incorporated adult learning and behavior change principles. This new presentation was delivered to intervention groups and the existing presentation was delivered to control groups. Response to the presentation was measured at baseline, immediately post-presentation and at one-month follow-up. Beliefs, knowledge, motivation and intention outcomes were compared across these three points of time, within and between the intervention and control groups, using generalized estimating equation modelling. Participants (control n=99; intervention n=133) in both groups demonstrated significantly increased levels of belief and knowledge about falls prevention, and intention to engage in strategies over time, compared to baseline. The intervention group was significantly more likely to report they had developed an action plan to undertake to reduce their risk of falling compared to the control group [OR=1.69, 95% CI (1.03–2.78)]. Women in both groups were significantly more likely to report increased knowledge, intention to take action and development of an action plan to reduce their risk of falling. Peer led education could form an effective component of health programs that target falls prevention.