title: Developing networks between residential aged care facilities as a result of engagement in a falls prevention project: an action research study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Residential aged care facility (RACF) staff often operate in isolation. Research is lacking on networking between facilities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore outcomes associated with network formation between two RACFs as part of an action research approach to reducing falls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Action research approach with qualitative data collected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve RACF staff from two facilities in regional Tasmania, Australia, formed a falls prevention action research group. Thematic analysis was undertaken of 22 audio-recorded fortnightly group meetings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This was the first opportunity for participants to meet colleagues from another facility in a professional context. The formation of an inter-facility network enabled the sharing of ideas and systems related to evidence-based falls prevention activities and other issues and galvanised a collaborative focus for action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An action research process can be used to create an inter-facility network. Such networks can decrease staff isolation and facilitate best resident care.
authors.affiliation: a School of Health Sciences and Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lea
authors.affiliation: a School of Health Sciences and Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.affiliation: b Southern Physiotherapy Clinical School , Monash University and Allied Health Clinical Research Unit, Southern Health , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.affiliation: c School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , University of Queensland , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nitz
authors.affiliation: d National Ageing Research Institute , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Betty
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Haralambous
authors.affiliation: e Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department , University College London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: f School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science , Curtin University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: a School of Health Sciences and Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001315:Australia; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: accidental falls; action research; community networks; evidence-based practice; health services research; nursing; residential aged care facilities