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How older adults would like falls prevention information delivered: fresh insights from a World Café forum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 March 2016

LINDA KHONG ,
CAROLINE BULSARA ,
KEITH D. HILL  and
ANNE-MARIE HILL
LINDA KHONG*
Affiliation:
School of Physiotherapy, Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia.
CAROLINE BULSARA
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia.
KEITH D. HILL
Affiliation:
School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science,Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
ANNE-MARIE HILL
Affiliation:
School of Physiotherapy, Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia. School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science,Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
*
Address for correspondence: Linda Khong, School of Physiotherapy, Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, 19 Mouat Street, PO Box 1225, Fremantle, Western Australia 6959, Australia E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Translation of falls prevention evidence into practice is problematic. Understanding older adults’ views about falls prevention information could enhance delivery of falls prevention, resulting in better engagement and uptake of recommended activities. The aim of this 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 discussed five topic areas in small groups, under the guidance of table facilitators. Perspectives were captured on paper. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors that influence participants’ engagement and uptake of information. Seventy-three older adults participated in the forum covering wide-ranging preferences around falls prevention information. Personal experience was considered the key influence on an older adult's decision to initiate seeking information. While health professionals were often approached, alternative sources such as public libraries, peer educators and seniors’ organisations were also favoured as credible sources of information. Older adults proposed falls prevention information should be delivered with a positive tone, coupled with highly valued qualities of respect, empathy and time to listen to foster motivation to engage in recommended activities. Consumer-focused practical strategies were proposed to potentially improve future design, communication and dissemination of falls prevention information. This improvement could enhance engagement of messages and subsequent uptake of falls prevention recommended strategies.

Keywords

accidental fallsconsumer health informationcommunity participationhealth educationqualitative research
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 37 , Issue 6 , July 2017 , pp. 1179 - 1196
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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