Implementing the evidence for preventing falls among community-dwelling older people: a systematic review

The translation of the evidence-base for preventing falls among community-dwelling older people into practice has been limited. This study systematically reviewed and synthesised the effectiveness of methods to implement falls prevention programmes with this population.

Articles published between 1980 and May 2010 that evaluated the effects of an implementation strategy. No design restrictions were imposed. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

15 studies were identified. Interventions that involved the active training of healthcare professionals improved implementation. The evidence around changing the way people who fall are managed within primary care practices, and, layperson, peer or community delivered models was mixed.

Translating the evidence-base into practice involves changing the attitudes and behaviours of older people, healthcare professionals and organisations. However, there is a need for further evaluation on how this can be best achieved.