The Feasibility of Virtual Fall Risk Screens and Evidence-Based Program Referrals Using an Algorithmic Approach

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Falls are a major health concern for older adults, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Traditional fall risk assessments can be time-consuming and may not reach all individuals in need.
• Telehealth offers a potential solution to expand access to fall risk screening and prevention programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of virtual fall risk screening in older adults.
• To assess older adults' ability to manage technology for telehealth participation.
• To determine if an algorithm can effectively guide referrals to evidence-based fall prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• A virtual fall risk screening algorithm was piloted using the Zoom platform.
• Participants completed assessments including the 30-second chair stand and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive, parametric, and non-parametric tests to analyze data.

Main Results:

• No safety incidents were reported during the virtual screenings.
• Ninety-five percent of older adults successfully managed the technology requirements for telehealth participation.
• A significant negative correlation was found between 30-second chair stand and TUG (r= -0.584; p=0.003), and a significant relationship was observed between chair stand and referral outcomes (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Virtual fall risk screening is a safe and feasible method for assessing older adults.
• Telehealth technology is manageable for most older adults, facilitating participation in remote health services.
• The piloted algorithm effectively guided referrals to evidence-based fall prevention programs, offering a valuable clinical tool.