Design, delivery, and outcomes from an interprofessional fall prevention course.
This article describes the development, delivery, and outcomes from an interprofessional evidence-based falls management course for undergraduate and graduate students. The 3-credit elective course was developed by a gerontological social work and nursing faculty member in partnership with community-based housing and case management organizations. Creation of the course was in response to a mandate by the Health Resources and Services Administration, funding source for federal Geriatric Education Centers, to train interprofessional students using an evidence-based approach while tying the outcomes to improved health measures in the target population. Therefore, this article describes student competencies pre- and postcourse completion and outcomes of community-dwelling older adults completing a Matter of Balance (MOB) program delivered by these students. A total of 16 students completed the course which included delivery of the MOB program to 41 older adults. Results indicate statistically significant improvements in student outcomes from a pre/post falls knowledge test. For older adult participants, many screened positively for fall risk factors pre-post MOB participation showed statistically significant improvements in falls efficacy, control, management, and overall mobility. Opportunities and challenges associated with course delivery are also described.
a Department of Social Work , The College at Brockport, State University of New York , Brockport , New York , USA.
Jason A
JA
Dauenhauer
Susan
S
Glose
Celia
C
Watt
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D058025:Interdisciplinary Studies; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods
falls; interprofessional education; nursing; older adults; social work