Adding self-management of chronic conditions to fall prevention: A feasibility study

Australas J Ageing. 2017 Mar;36(1):E23-E25. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12356. Epub 2016 Oct 12.

Abstract

Objective: Assess feasibility and impact of adding a long-term condition self-management program (Living a Healthy Life, LHL) into Steady as You Go (SAYGO) fall prevention exercise classes.

Methods: Four-day LHL leader training workshop to deliver six weekly program. Focus groups explored feasibility and acceptability. Chronic disease self-efficacy, balance confidence, health behaviours and status were measured at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results: Four leaders and 17 participants volunteered. Focus groups revealed that becoming a leader was considered stressful. Participants valued discussions about managing health, strategies for better communication with doctors, keeping track of medications, action plans and nutrition labels. Between 6-week and 12-month follow-up, self-rated health increased.

Conclusion: Although participants valued LHL information, the low participation rates, time commitment and stress of becoming a leader and leading classes suggest that adding LHL to other fall prevention programs will need further consideration around integration of the programs.

Keywords: Community Health Services/utilisation; aged; chronic disease; chronic disease/therapy; community-based; self-care; self-management.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease / therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy* / organization & administration
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postural Balance
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self Care / methods*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome