Developing Community-Level Implementation Networks to Connect Older Adults to Evidence-Based Falls Prevention...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Low participation rates hinder the effectiveness of community-based falls prevention programs.
• Older adults at risk for falls require accessible pathways to evidence-based interventions.
• Community-based referral networks can bridge the gap between programs and participants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement community-based referral networks to increase uptake of falls prevention programs.
• To engage older adults using the RememberingWhen™ program as a gateway to evidence-based interventions.
• To foster collaboration among organizations in Midwestern communities to support falls prevention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) for network development.
• Employed a seven-step community engagement plan, including establishing advisory boards and conducting assessments.
• Conducted semistructured interviews guided by the RE-AIM framework with stakeholders and participants.

Main Results:

• Participants gained skills for future collaborations and recognized the value of building community capacity.
• Interview data provided strategies for enhancing network reach, impact, adoption, efficiency, and maintenance.
• The study demonstrated the potential of structured referral networks in facilitating access to falls prevention resources.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing funding is crucial for sustaining organizational networks and their efforts in communities.
• Future research should address challenges and strategies for long-term sustainability of these referral networks.
• Developing community capacity and fostering inter-organizational collaboration are vital for effective public health program delivery.