The MOVE.TE Falls Prevention and Management Program: lessons learnt in the Portuguese context

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Rehabilitation
• Public Health and Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Physiotherapy knowledge translation is crucial for evidence-based practice.
• Primary care in the Portuguese National Health Service requires accessible programs.
• Falls prevention and management are critical for older adults' health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a falls prevention and management program for primary care physiotherapy in Portugal.
• To highlight the collaborative, participatory approach of the MOVE.TE platform.
• To advocate for improved healthcare for older adults through evidence-based physiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A seven-step process was employed for program development.
• Collaboration between volunteer academics and clinicians.
• Focus on translating existing knowledge into practical physiotherapy programs.

Main Results:

• Creation of the first falls prevention and management program and guidance for Physiotherapy in Portuguese primary care.
• Successful translation of research into a freely available, evidence-based program.
• Demonstration of a participatory platform model (MOVE.TE) for knowledge dissemination.

Conclusions:

• The MOVE.TE project successfully established an evidence-based physiotherapy falls program for primary care.
• This initiative serves as a model for physiotherapy advocacy and knowledge translation.
• The program aims to enhance healthcare for older adults within the Portuguese National Health Service.