A Matter of Balance/lay leader model: Reach and adoption in national dissemination

Background: A Matter of Balance (MOB) is a structured group intervention utilizing a variety of activities to address physical, social and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling and to learn fall prevention strategies. Partnership for Healthy Aging (PFHA) has been involved in the successful translation of a fall program for older adults called A Matter of Balance from a clinician led class into a volunteer lay leader model, with funding from the U. S. Administration on Aging.

Purpose: This session will discuss the core elements of the dissemination model, the key organizational elements necessary for adoption, the number and diversity of successful adoption sites, and reach of the injury prevention program to older adults around the country.

Methods: The AoA has included MOB in the evidence-based programs they fund under the Choices for Independence initiative. PFHA has led the national dissemination of the lay leader model using a train the trainer format. The Volunteer Lay Leader Model utilizes trained volunteers, called coaches, to conduct the class which consists of eight two-hour sessions for groups of 10 to 12 participants. Volunteer lay leaders are trained by certified MOB Master Trainers.

Results: PFHA has over 490 Master Trainers in 25 states. 254 organizations have delivered the program and submitted the outcomes for over 3600 participants to the national database.

Implications: Utilization of this model extends the program reach beyond the clinical community. Widespread adoption of a falls prevention program is possible through community social service and public health agencies using trained volunteers.