Adaptation of the Action Falls programme for stroke survivors and telehealth delivery: Stroke Action Falls (SAF)

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V Booth1,2; E Doig3; PA Logan1,3; M Golding-Day1; F Allen1; M Lear3; A J Hill4; J Watterson1,2; S Burgess1

1. University of Nottingham; 2. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; 3. STARS Education and Research Alliance, University of Queensland and Metro North Health; 4. Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, La Trobe Univer

Scientific Research

SP - Stroke

Stroke

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Abstract

Background

Action Falls is a falls prevention programme identifying falls risks and actions which has been shown to significantly reduce fall rates in care home residents. Falls after stroke are a leading cause of hospitalisation resulting in high healthcare costs. Falls negatively impact stroke survivors’ confidence and independence. Action Falls could be effective for stroke survivors. Therefore, the collaborative team across the UK and Australia partnered with stroke survivors and experienced multidisciplinary stroke healthcare professionals across Australia and the UK, to produce the Stroke Action Falls (SAF) programme via a systematic adaptation framework.

Method

Adaptation involved four stages:

1. Rapid evidence review to inform specific falls risks and actions post-stroke;

2. Collaborative adaptation via meetings with stroke survivors, including people with aphasia, and experienced stroke healthcare professionals from UK and Australia;

3. Application of a human centred design process and communication accessibility principles to adapt the SAF for telehealth delivery;

4. Pilot SAF programme with 5 stroke survivors, including 3 people with severe aphasia, and 3 healthcare professionals.

Results

Stages 1 and 2 resulted in additional falls education materials, adaptations to risks and actions relevant to people with stroke, a communicably accessible SAF checklist, additional resources to enhance communication accessibility, and development of an action planning document to facilitate collaborative development of individualised action plans. Stage 3 resulted in adaptation of resources and processes to enable telehealth delivery including a digital SAF checklist and action plan, and development of training and resources to prepare stroke survivors and healthcare professionals for telehealth delivery.

Conclusion