Interdisciplinary Approach to Fall Prevention at HTS

Abstract

The doctoral capstone student developed a fall prevention program, “Steady: A Comprehensive Therapy Approach to Fall Prevention,” for physical, occupational, and speech therapists at Healthcare Therapy Services (HTS) to utilize to reduce the prevalence and risk of falls among older adults. The student conducted a thorough needs assessment process involving research, meetings, and an anonymous survey to gather necessary information to create the program. The majority of the capstone was spent creating a 100-page manual that included assessments, interventions, and handouts along with a tracking log for managers to record falls among all residents. At the end of the semester, HTS sent an email with the finalized manual and a recorded presentation explaining how to implement the program. Additionally, the student emailed several therapists and managers to receive feedback to evaluate the project. Positive feedback was given regarding both the program components and presentation. By providing a program manual and recorded presentation, the student has offered a sustainable project for HTS therapists to utilize to reduce falls and to improve outcomes with their older adults residents.