Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial of a Virtual Occupational Therapy Fall Prevention Intervention for People...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• People living with HIV (PLWH) face increased fall risk due to polypharmacy, substance use, inactivity, and frailty.
• Existing fall prevention strategies lack data on virtual delivery, especially for PLWH with co-occurring substance use.
• This study addresses the need for accessible fall prevention interventions for PLWH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the protocol of a pilot randomized trial for a virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention.
• To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a virtual fall prevention program for PLWH at high risk for falls and with recent alcohol/drug use.
• To provide data for designing a larger-scale trial.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized trial will recruit PLWH from the Boston ARCH 4F Cohort study.
• Participants will be randomized to a 10-week virtual occupational therapy intervention or a control group receiving written education.
• The intervention includes virtual group sessions, home exercises, and phone check-ins. Primary outcomes include attendance and satisfaction; secondary outcomes include fall rates, substance use, and physical function.

Main Results:

• Preliminary estimates of fall-related outcomes will be gathered.
• Feasibility of study procedures for a larger trial will be assessed.
• Data on intervention engagement (group attendance, satisfaction) will be collected.

Conclusions:

• A virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention is a feasible approach for PLWH at high risk for falls and with substance use concerns.
• This pilot study provides crucial preliminary data for future research and clinical implementation.
• Virtual delivery addresses accessibility barriers for this population.