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Adding self‐management of chronic conditions to fall prevention: A feasibility study
Author(s) -
Wurzer Birgit Maria,
Waters Debra Lynn,
Robertson Linda,
Hale Beatrice,
Hale Leigh Anne
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12356
Subject(s) - fall prevention , medicine , self management , intensive care medicine , psychology , computer science , medical emergency , injury prevention , poison control , artificial intelligence
Objective Assess feasibility and impact of adding a long‐term condition self‐management program (Living a Healthy Life, LHL ) into Steady as You Go ( SAYGO ) fall prevention exercise classes. Methods Four‐day LHL leader training workshop to deliver six weekly program. Focus groups explored feasibility and acceptability. Chronic disease self‐efficacy, balance confidence, health behaviours and status were measured at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Four leaders and 17 participants volunteered. Focus groups revealed that becoming a leader was considered stressful. Participants valued discussions about managing health, strategies for better communication with doctors, keeping track of medications, action plans and nutrition labels. Between 6‐week and 12‐month follow‐up, self‐rated health increased. Conclusion Although participants valued LHL information, the low participation rates, time commitment and stress of becoming a leader and leading classes suggest that adding LHL to other fall prevention programs will need further consideration around integration of the programs.