The Falls Intervention Team (FIT) A successful best practice model

The basis of FIT and steps to success Development of FIT Sustainability of FIT Challenges New Initiatives

There is a need for FIT

Partners with a shared vision

Literature Review Behavioural Change Theory FIT is supported by research

Moving from theory to practice Baseline Assessment Intervention (12 weeks) Post Intervention Assessments (immediate and 6 months post intervention)

Collecting the data Assessment Tools InterRAI-CHA BERG Balance Scale Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Timed Up and Go (TUG) Return to Norman Living Index (RNLI)

Testing the theory Baseline Assessment Intervention (12 weeks) Post Intervention Assessments environmental physical medication blood pressure social participation

FIT Completers (9 months after baseline) FIT 1 (2004)FIT 2 (2007) Sample Size6198 Average Age84 years81 years # of Modifiable Risk FactorsDecreased (p<.0001)Decreased (p<0.0001) Balance/ Balance ConfidenceImproved (p<.05)Improved (p<0.05) Improved (p <0.001) Perception of Social Participation Increased (p<.0001)Increased p <0.01 Exercise Adherence73.9% of clients adhered 77.6% of clients adhered # of Falls Reduced p< % reported a fall in the last 90 days at baseline 20.4% reported a fall in the last 90 days at 6 months post intervention FIT reduced fall risk factors

FIT Community-based Sustainability Framework ©

Post Emergency Department Model Interdisciplinary Approach Learning from the challenges

Finding the right “FIT” – current initiatives Hospital Supportive Housing Community Health Centre

Promoting accessible and sustainable falls prevention programs Building community capacity Expanding the FIT vision

For further information Anne Wenger, RN, BScN, MN Health Promotion Consultant Toronto Public Health