Potential analysis for research on occupational therapy-led physical exercise programmes and home environment adaptation programmes to prevent falls for elderly people living at home / Potenzialanalyse zu ergotherapeutischen körperlichen Trainingsprogrammen und Wohnraumanpassungen zur Vermeidung von Stürzen bei zu Hause lebenden älteren Menschen

Abstract

Background:In Germany, four to five million community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older fall every year. The presented potential analysis evaluates the potential of occupational therapy-led physical exercise programs and home environment adaptations to reduce the frequency of falling and as well as intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for falling of older people living at home. Methods: The potential analysis was compiled according to a method guideline (p.11-22) available as follows: http://www.cochrane. de/news/leitfaden-f%C3%BCr-gesundheitsfachberufe-mai-2013. The research question of fall prevention was considered as very relevant for health care and specified according to the PICOS-system. A Cochrane review was systematically searched and the body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE-system. In addition, studies after the search period of the Cochrane review were identified using the search strategy of this review. Both the studies within and after the review were assessed regarding their transferability to the German health care context. . However, direct implementation into the German healthcare context is not recommendable. Implication for research: It is recommended (1) to manualise identified home environment adaptation programmes for the German healthcare context and (2) to pilot-test the physical exercise programmes `LiFE` with regard to theoretical framework, acceptance, applicability and feasibility and to examine both interventions as part of a feasibility study. If this trial results in a feasible treatment programme well accepted by patients and their treating occupational therapists, a large-scaled randomized clinical trial in terms of comparative effectiveness research may follow. Abstract

Fall prevention in old people through occupational therapy home assessment, consultation and modification: a process outline

“…Um die höchste Kosteneffektivität zu erreichen, sollten sich Präventionsprogramme auf Risikogruppen konzentrieren und die Präventionsbemühungen sowohl intrinsische als auch extrinsische und verhaltensbasierte Modifikationen beinhalten [ 13 , 14 , 35 ]. Dabei können intrinsische Sturzrisikofaktoren durch behandelnde ÄrztInnen identifiziert und für die Evaluation extrinsischer und verhaltensbasierter Faktoren kann auf die Ergotherapie zurückgegriffen werden [ 25 ].…”