FALLPREVENT: Implementation of evidence-based, fall-prevention programmes in the health care services: Quality, competency and effectiveness

In this project we aim to develop and test an innovative user-based programme for the implementation of falls-prevention programmes in Norway.

Healthcare personell, patients, decision-makers, and the public strive to make informed decisions based on the most reliable research-backed knowledge. However, the journey from research to service innovation and its practical implementation can often be quite protracted.

This also applies to fall prevention work in primary healthcare, which constitutes an interdisciplinary field. One in three individuals over the age of 65 and one in two individuals over 80 experience at least one fall per year.

Falls are a significant cause of premature death and disability among older individuals. The causes of falls are complex and multifactorial, and effective interventions target various risk factors.

Prevention falls is a collaborative effort across diverse healthcare disciplines, involving collaboration between various professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

Research strongly suggests that fall prevention measures can yield substantial benefits, both at the individual and societal levels. Despite extensive knowledge regarding the effectiveness of fall prevention measures, the adoption of evidence-based interventions has progressed slowly and incompletely.

There's considerable indication that the incidence of falls among older individuals has not reduced in recent years. The project has received funding of 12 million NOK from the Research Council of Norway, supplemented by 65 million in self-financing.

If you have any questions, please contact post doctor candidate Maria Bjerk or project leader Kristin Taraldsen.