Citation

Mackenzie L, Clemson L. Aust. Fam. Physician 2014; 43(4): 211-215.

Affiliation

Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, University of Sydney, NSW.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

24701625

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Exercise and home modifications are effective interventions for preventing falls. Chronic disease management (CDM) items are one way for general practitioners (GPs) to access these interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and feasibility of using CDM items for occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) sessions to address falls risk.

METHODS: A pre-post pilot study design was used to evaluate five collaborative sessions shared by a private OT and PT using CDM items and a GP management plan. Pre and post intervention measures were used to evaluate outcomes for eight patients aged ≥75 years from two GP practices.

RESULTS: At 2 months post-intervention there were significant improvements in everyday functioning (P = 0.04), physical capacity (P = 0.01) and falls efficacy (P =0.01). Adherence to the intervention was excellent.

DISCUSSION: Falls prevention interventions can be effective in primary care settings and sustainable pathways need to be developed to ensure access for older people at risk.

Language: en