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ABSTRACT
Aims: To evaluate mobility outcomes and concerns about falling for community dwelling medically complex clients (MCCs) participating in an individualized falls prevention clinic. Methods: A quantitative retrospective chart review with one group pretest, posttest design compared four outcome measures of Gait Speed, 30 Second Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, and The Falls Efficacy Scale International. Consecutive participants discharged from the Falls Prevention Clinic between January 2014 and December 2014 were screened. Paired t-test was used to determine outcome measure significance. Descriptive statistics and analysis of participant satisfaction surveys were completed. Results: Sixty-nine participants were included. Over 75% of participants had at least one fall in the past year and average number of falls totaled five. Statistical significance was achieved on all four outcome measures. Conclusions: An individualized, multifactorial approach appears to benefit MCCs despite average outcome measure scores still indicating a falls risk. Further examination of defining falls risk for MCCs is warranted.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the staff at the Falls Prevention Clinic at Providence Healthcare.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Teresa Chien
Teresa Chien is a recent graduate of the Masters of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program in 2015 at The University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.
Melissa Goddard
Melissa Goddard is a recent graduate of the Masters of Occupational Therapy program in 2015 at The University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.
Jessica Casey
Jessica Casey, OT Reg. (Ont.), is an Occupational Therapist at the Falls Prevention Clinic and is an Occupational Therapist Practice Consultant in the Geriatric and Medical Rehab program at Providence Healthcare. She also holds a Status-Only appointment with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.
Rachel Devitt
Rachel Devitt, OT Reg. (Ont.), is the Professional Practice Leader for Occupational Therapy at Providence Healthcare. She also holds a Status-Only appointment with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.
Julia Filinski
Julia Filinski, PT, is a Physiotherapist at the Falls Prevention Clinic and is also a Physiotherapist Practice Consultant in the Geriatric and Medical Rehab program at Providence Healthcare. She also holds a Status-Only appointment with the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.