An effective occupational therapy falls reduction programme for community-dwelling elderly

Background and purpose: Home visit for fall prevention is effective. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an occupational therapy falls reduction programme (OTFRP) in reducing falls. Methods: This multi-centred randomised controlled trial was conducted from April 2009 to October 2011. Elder...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAsian journal of gerontology and geriatrics Vol. 10; no. 1; p. 38
Main Authors Tong, H K, Chu, M L M, Wong, C M, Fong, N K K, Lit, C H A, Rainer, T H, Cheng, W C S, Au, L Y F, Fung, K K H, Chan, M T E, Wong, D, Chan, C M B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Hong Kong Hong Kong Academy of Medicine 01.06.2015
Subjects
Falls
Injury prevention
Intervention
Occupational health
Occupational safety
Occupational therapy
Older people
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Summary:Background and purpose: Home visit for fall prevention is effective. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an occupational therapy falls reduction programme (OTFRP) in reducing falls. Methods: This multi-centred randomised controlled trial was conducted from April 2009 to October 2011. Elderly people attending accident and emergency departments in 3 acute hospitals after a fall were recruited and randomised into intervention (n=79) or control (n=88) groups. The OTFRP was performed by an occupational therapist at subject's home within 2 weeks. It included home and daily routine assessments, fall risk behaviour identification, and Westmead Home Safety Assessment, as well as environmental modification, prescription of assistive device, on-site skills training, fall reduction implementation plan, and referral to community services. Telephone follow-up was conducted 2 months later to verify adherence to recommendations. All subjects were followed up for one year on any subsequent falls. Results: Types of intervention provided were fall risks identification (89%), fall reduction plan (80%), on-site skills training (75%), prescribed assistive devices (34%), and referred to community services (9%). The top 3 home hazards were poor illumination, obstacles in traffic ways, and floor mats. The number of falls in a 6-month period differed significantly between intervention and control groups. Conclusion: The OTFRP was effective in reducing falls for community-dwelling elderly for 6 months.
ISSN:1819-1576
1819-1576