Transitioning Towards a Virtual Falls Prevention Program for Frail Seniors: Learning from the Experiences of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Can Geriatr J
; 27(2): 141-151, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38827425
ABSTRACT
Background:
The literature to date is unable to clearly characterize the appropriateness of virtual care for falls prevention services from the patient perspective. In response to COVID-19, the Falls Prevention Program (FPP) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was modified to include virtual components. We set out to uncover the experiences of this unique older-adult patient population to inform FPP quality improvement and appropriate incorporation of technology post-pandemic.Methods:
FPP patients during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 - February 2022) and their primary caregivers met inclusion criteria. Out of 18 eligible patients, 10 consented to participate in 20-minute, semi-structured telephone interviews conducted and transcribed by the first author. Inductive coding followed by theme generation occurred through collaborative analysis.Results:
The participants (n=10) were 60% female, mean age 84 years (SD 5.8), 60% living alone, and 70% university educated. We generated three main themes 1) First Steps First, revealed a common desire for physical and mental support and the perceived essentials of a successful FPP highlighting the importance of program length and individualized attention; 2) Overcoming Obstacles, highlighted participants' experiences overcoming barriers with technology in the context of an isolating pandemic; and 3) Advancing Care Post-Pandemic, elaborated on the appropriateness of virtual care and delved into the importance of program personalization.Conclusion:
The interviewed older adults revealed agreement on the FPP's necessity and the importance of increasing program length, one-on-one interaction, and program flexibility for unique patient needs. Incorporating virtual assessment prior to in-person exercises was largely favoured and should be considered as an appropriate use of technology post-pandemic.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Can Geriatr J
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá