An evaluation of the fall prevention practice of community-based occupational therapists working in primary care

• Published in: The British journal of occupational therapy Vol. 81; no. 8; pp. 463 - 473
• Main Authors: Mackenzie, Lynette, Lovarini, Meryl, Price, Thomas, Clemson, Lindy, Tan, Amy, O’Connor, Claire
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-08-2018; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Community service; Falls; Injury prevention; Occupational therapists; Occupational therapy; Older people; Personal safety; Polls & surveys; Prevention; Prevention programs; Primary care; Professional development; Referrals; Therapists; Workshops; community-residing; Accidental falls; allied health occupations
• ISSN: 0308-0226; 1477-6006
• DOI: 10.1177/0308022618764798

Introduction
Occupational therapy in primary care settings in Australia is developing.
This study aimed to examine current practice in preventing falls among older
people living in the community prior to attending a home safety workshop;
explore the outcomes of the workshop on fall prevention practice; and
investigate self-reported changes in practice 3 months after the
workshop.
Method
The 3-hour workshop was focused on evidence-based home safety interventions
and was offered to occupational therapists providing community-based
services in the Sydney North Primary Health Network area. Knowledge surveys
were used immediately pre and post workshop, and practice surveys were
collected data at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.
Results
Three workshops were run in 2015–2016, with a total of 40 occupational
therapists. At follow-up, a positive impact on confidence and knowledge was
reported. Less impact was observed on identifying and reducing an older
person’s fall risk, and on fall prevention services provided and referrals
received. Changes in practice were reported by 48% (n = 16)
of the 33 participants who returned surveys at 3 months.
Conclusion
These findings provide support for the benefit of professional development
workshops to improve confidence and knowledge, but challenges remain in
facilitating change in fall prevention service delivery. Further study on
screening for fall risk and collaboration between community service
providers in the primary care context is recommended.