Mitigating Fall Risk: Survey Findings and Suggestions from an ISAT-Driven Integrated Care Strategic Approach

Abstract title : Mitigating Fall Risk: Survey Findings and Suggestions from an ISAT-Driven Integrated Care Strategic Approach.

Background and Objectives

Falls remain a leading cause of injury in older adults within community units. This project aimed to assess the readiness and scalability of fall prevention strategies—including floor beds, safety mats, and music-enhanced therapy—across Dublin and Midland Region HSE units using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool (ISAT). The goal was to identify effective, acceptable, and sustainable interventions that can be adapted system-wide.

Methods or Approach

An ISAT-based digital survey was distributed to multidisciplinary staff in seven HSE community units. The survey captured insights on current fall prevention practices, scalability, staff capacity, and intervention acceptance. Responses were analysed to assess effectiveness, feasibility, and resource needs to implement proven interventions across all units.

Key Results or Findings

Most respondents agreed falls are a high-priority concern. Floor-level beds showed near-universal adoption, while high-safety mats and bed height posters had partial uptake. Staff expressed a high willingness to implement music-enhanced cycling, though awareness was low. The ISAT results highlighted strong perceived effectiveness and acceptability, but financial sustainability scored low (2.0/5). Key needs included staff training, funding, and clear guidelines. Falls reduced by 18.35% in Bellvilla after implementing these strategies (2023: 109 falls; 2024: 89 falls).

Conclusions and Implications

The survey confirmed that integrated, evidence-based fall interventions are both scalable and acceptable within HSE Dublin and Midland community units. However, cost and capacity barriers must be addressed for successful regional implementation. Policy-level funding, staff training, and standardised monitoring are critical next steps to embed sustainable fall prevention practices and reduce injury risks among older adults.