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Stepping On Fall Prevention Workshops

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Stepping On is a high-level, evidence-based program proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older people.

A community-based, small group workshop, Stepping On was developed in Australia and tested in a randomized trial and results showed a 31% reduction in falls (p<.05). Stepping On is designed specifically for people who are: 1) at risk of falling, 2) have a fear of falling, or 3) who have fallen one or more times. Participants meet for two hours a week for seven weeks. Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders and provide a safe and positive learning experience.

Classes are highly participative; mutual support and success build participants' confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

Goal / Mission

Stepping On aims to reduce the prevalence of falls among older adults. Falls are not a normal part of aging and the risk and/or prevalence of falls may be decreased by taking certain steps, including vision checks, medication management, strength & balance exercises, and home safety checks. Falls and/or the fear of falling often lead to a loss of independence.

Impact

This evidence-based program demonstrated a 31% reduction in falls among participants in an Australian trial. It reached a 50% reduction in falls among participants in a U.S. workshop.

Results / Accomplishments

The success of Stepping On was first tested in a randomized control trial in Australia and results showed a 31% reduction in falls among participants. The program has been tested in the United States and results show a 50% reduction in falls among workshop participants.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Safe Communities of Dane County
Primary Contact
Ashley Hillman
P.O. Box 6652
Madison, WI 53716-0652
608-235-1957
ahillman@safercommunity.net
http://www.safercommunity.net
Topics
Health / Prevention & Safety
Health / Older Adults
Organization(s)
Safe Communities of Dane County
Source
Dr. Lindy Clemson, University of Sydney in Australia
Location
Dane, Wisconsin
For more details
http://www.steppingon.com/Cost-benefit.pdf
http://www.steppingon.com/
Target Audience
Older Adults
Submitted By
Ashley Hillman

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An Evidence-Based Practice meets the following HCI criteria:

  1. The program description includes at a minimum: the sponsoring organization, program goals, program implementation steps, and outcomes that have demonstrated program success in achieving the program goal in one or more localities.
  2. The results from an evaluation of the program include quantitative measures showing improvement in the outcome(s) of interest after the implementation of the program (i.e. increase in smoking cessation, not just the delivery of a smoking cessation program). The outcome measure(s) is/are compared at relevant time periods before and after the intervention or program implementation. Alternatively, the evaluation study compares the outcome(s) between an intervention group and an appropriate control group.
  3. The study is of peer-review quality and presents numbers in a scientific manner; measurements of precision and reliability are included (e.g. confidence intervals, standard errors), results from statistical tests show a significant difference or change in the outcome measure(s), and relevant point estimates and p-values are presented. Note: if the results from an evaluation of a program are presented in a scientific manner and the outcome measure is improved compared to the baseline measurement or the control group but the difference is not statistically significant, the practice is classified as effective and not evidence-based.