193119 Translating evidence-based fall prevention research into practice and policy

Monday, November 9, 2009

Dorothy Baker, PhD, RNCS , Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Margaret Gottschalk, PT, MS , Department of Rehabilitation Services, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
Terrence Murphy, PhD , Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Mary King, MD , Division of Geriatric Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
Denise Acampora, MPH , Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Mary Tinetti, MD , Department of Medicine, Geriatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
It is difficult to comprehend the catastrophic human and financial consequences, on the individual and population levels, that result when older adults fall. Fully 30% of community-living older adults fall each year and falls occur commonly among those receiving healthcare at home, in nursing homes and in hospitals. A compelling body of evidence has demonstrated that many falls can be prevented. However there is a disconnection between discovery and the practical application of evidence to clinical practice and policymaking. This presentation describes a successful nine year research project to disseminate our randomized controlled clinical trial evidence into clinical practice within a defined geographic area. The outcome was measured as the rate of admissions to emergency rooms or hospitals for fall related injuries in the “intervention” area relative to a matched “usual care” geographic region. Evidence from this dissemination effort was then used successfully to focus state policymakers on providing public funding for a statewide fall prevention effort.

Learning Objectives:
Describe how evidence from a fall prevention randomized controlled clinical trial was effectively translated into clinical practice and used to inform state policymakers.

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am part of the team conducting the clinical trial research as well as the dissemination and policy efforts
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.