Valerie Sabol, chair of the Healthcare in Adult Populations Division, and Susan Silva, associate professor, contribute to "On the Move clinic: A fall prevention nurse practitioner-driven model of care" in Geriatric Nursing. Co-authors include Geraldine E. Kanne, of Duke Population Health Management, Dana Pierson and Misty W. Corcoran, of Duke Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and Heidi K. White, of Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development and Duke Geriatrics Division.

Abstract

Falls in older adults are common and interventions to reduce associated morbidity and mortality remain difficult to implement. This quality improvement project evaluated On the Move, a new clinic designed to provide tailored recommendations to reduce falls risk, based on an adaptation of CDC's STEADI: a falls risk screening, assessment and intervention guide. 89 participants were referred by primary care and emergency services. A nurse practitioner assessed modifiable physical, behavioral and environmental risk factors and utilized motivational interviewing and education to guide participants in developing an intervention plan. A physical therapist assessed gait/balance, the need for ongoing PT services and provided brief counseling. Participants received a 6-week phone call and 12-week follow up visit. Measurements, including 30-second chair stands, Timed Up and Go, 4-Item Dynamic Gait Index, and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale all showed significant improvement. Participants made behavioral changes to reduce risk, and plans to continue exercise.

Citation

Kanne, G. E., Sabol, V. K., Pierson, D., Corcoran, M. W., Silva, S. G., & White, H. K. (2021). On the Move clinic: A fall prevention nurse practitioner-driven model of care. Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.), 42(4), 850–854. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.03.019