Translating evidence-based fall prevention research into practice and policy

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.