@article{23338, author = {Tiedemann Anne and A Mikolaizak Stefanie and Lord Stephen and Simpson Paul and Howard Kirsten and Caplan Gideon and Bendall Jason and Close Jacqueline}, title = {Adherence to a multifactorial fall prevention program following paramedic care: Predictors and impact on falls and health service use. Results from an RCT a priori subgroup analysis.}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors and impact of adherence to a multifactorial fall-prevention program on falls and health service utilisation.

METHODS: Randomised controlled trial with a priori subgroup analysis within intervention group according to adherence. Participants were community dwelling, (≥65 years), not transported to hospital following fall-related paramedic care. The Attitudes to Falls-Related Interventions Scale (AFRIS) was completed at baseline, adherence levels were measured (three-point scale) at six months, and falls and health service utilisation were recorded for 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression and area under the curve were calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: Attitudes to Falls-Related Interventions Scale scores (n = 85) were independent of baseline characteristics. At six months, 39 (46%) participants reported full adherence. Independent predictors of adherence were positive AFRIS (OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.48-11.39) and receiving 3+ recommendations (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.26-9.00). Adherers experienced fewer falls (IRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.45-0.80) and fall-related health service use (emergency department presentations IRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.82) compared to non-adherers.

CONCLUSION: Older adults who adhere to recommendations benefit, regardless of fall-risk profile.

}, year = {2018}, journal = {Australas J Ageing}, volume = {37}, pages = {54-61}, issn = {1741-6612}, doi = {10.1111/ajag.12465}, language = {eng}, }