Implementing an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Intervention in Community Senior Centers

• Published in: American journal of public health (1971) Vol. 106; no. 11; pp. 2026 - 2031
• Main Authors: Li, Fuzhong, Harmer, Peter, Fitzgerald, Kathleen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Public Health Association 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - economics; Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; AJPH Research; Balance; Community Health; Cost analysis; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Demographics; Design; Exercise; Exercise/Physical Activity; Falls; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Intervention; Male; Older people; Other Health Service Delivery; Physical Fitness; Postural Balance; Prevention; Public health; Senior Centers - economics; Senior Centers - organization & administration; Senior citizen centers; Studies; Tai Ji - economics; Tai Ji - methods; Teaching
• ISSN: 0090-0036; 1541-0048
• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303386

To evaluate the impact of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention intervention in community senior centers. We used a single-group design to evaluate the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program's adoption, population reach, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance among 36 senior centers in 4 Oregon counties between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome measure, as part of the effectiveness evaluation, was number of falls as ascertained by self-report. Trained TJQMBB instructors delivered the program to community-dwelling older adults for 48 weeks, with a 6-month postintervention follow-up. TJQMBB was adopted by 89% of the senior centers approached and reached 90% of the target population. The program resulted in a 49% reduction in the total number of falls and improved physical performance. Participation was well maintained after the program's completion. The average cost-effectiveness ratio for the 48-week program implementation was $917 per fall prevented and $676 per fall prevented for multiple falls. TJQMBB is an effective public health program that can be broadly implemented in community senior centers for primary prevention of falls among community-dwelling older adults.