"Pisando Fuerte": an evidence-based falls prevention program for Hispanic/Latinos older adults: results of an implementation trial.

BACKGROUND: We previously developed Pisando Fuerte (PF), a linguistically and culturally appropriate version of "Stepping On", an evidence-based fall prevention program building on self-efficacy and adult learning principles. The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of PF at two community organizations in Wisconsin. METHODS: PF consisted of 2 h sessions delivered in Spanish over the course of 8 weeks by two trained leaders, at two community sites in Wisconsin. Participants identified strategies for falls prevention and practiced progressive balance and strength exercises. The RE-AIM framework guided the mixed-methods evaluation. Falls Behavioral Risk Scale (FaB) (Outcomes), and uptake of protective behaviors (Individual Maintenance) were evaluated 6 months after completion. Fidelity of delivery (Implementation) was evaluated by an independent assessor for three sessions at each site using a-priori criteria based on key elements of Stepping On. RESULTS: Twenty-four Hispanic/Latino individuals, whose primary language is Spanish, were enrolled in two workshops. The mean age was 70.5 years; 71% were female, and five reported a fall in the year prior. OUTCOMES: There was a non-statically significant decrease in the number of falls per person [RR: 0.33 (95%CI: 0.096-1.13)] at 6 months. There was a statistically significant improvement of the mean Falls Behavioral Risk Scale (FaB) (baseline = 2.69 vs. 6-months post-intervention = 3.16, p < 0.001). Adoption: Barriers to adoption included leader training in English, time to identify Spanish-speaking guest experts, and time to prepare for each session. IMPLEMENTATION: Satisfactory fidelity of delivery was achieved in 69% of the elements; fidelity lapses were more common in the use of adult learning strategies and programmatic aspects. Eighty eight percent of participants completed the program, and 95% of them adequately demonstrated the exercises. Maintenance: At 6 months, 57.9% of participants continued doing exercises, 94% adopted safer walking strategies, and 67% executed at least one home safety recommendation. These results are similar to those seen in the original Stepping On program. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows good fidelity of delivery with implementation of "Pisando Fuerte". Pre-post data demonstrate a significant reduction in falls behavioral risk among Hispanic/Latino participants, similar to results with "Stepping On". TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03895021 . Registered March 29, 2019.

"By Us for Us": Lessons Learned in Developing a National Training and Technical Assistance Center by and for CHWs.

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded 67 health departments to implement community health worker (CHW) programs to enhance COVID-19 response. The CDC also funded a unique CHW-led Technical Assistance and Training (TTA) Center called Envision, which supported health departments to implement CHW programs and promote CHW workforce sustainability. After 1 year, Envision evaluators interviewed Envision staff to assess barriers and facilitators in developing the Center and the degree to which CHW leadership was operationalized. Thematic analysis revealed 3 themes regarding relationships, CHW values in practice, and operational challenges. Findings informed program updates. CHWs, funders, and policymakers may learn from these experiences.