title: Using the RE-AIM framework to translate a research-based falls prevention intervention into a community-based program: lessons learned.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Exercise-based research interventions demonstrate reduced risk and rates of falls for community dwelling older adults; however, little is known about effective mechanisms for the translation, implementation, and maintenance of these interventions in community settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The RE-AIM framework was used to assess the translatability of an effective exercise-based research intervention in a community setting. Questions included: Reach - Would the target population attend? Effectiveness - What was the adherence and compliance to the program? Were there individual improvements in falls risk factors? Adoption: Would staff at the center adopt the program and offer it past the funding period? Implementation - What adaptations, including optimal frequency and duration, should be made to meet the community needs, still adhere to core elements and achieve similar outcomes? Maintenance - Would the program be sustained by our community partners?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The process of translating a controlled research intervention targeting older adults at risk of falls into a community setting was challenging. Licensed professionals developed the infrastructure to safely and effectively deliver the program. The end product was highly appealing program to our target audience, resulted in improved outcomes and was successfully adopted and maintained by the community partner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Partnerships between community and healthcare providers are key to successful implementation of falls prevention interventions. Lessons learned from this experience can be applied to the translation of future exercise-based falls prevention interventions.
authors.affiliation: UNC Chapel Hill Institute on Aging, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599–1030, USA. tiffany@shubertconsulting.net
authors.forename: Tiffany E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Shubert
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Altpeter
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Busby-Whitehead
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical