Technology and falls prevention in practice, in the Netherlands

1. Introduction
Falls among older people are a major public health concern, with one-third of individuals aged 65 and over experiencing at least one fall annually in the Netherlands. In 2023, a national chain approach to falls prevention was introduced to improve identification of older adults at risk of falling and reduce the incidence of fall-related injuries. The chain approach is comprised of four steps: 1) identifying older adults at risk of falling, 2) investigating individual fall risk factors, 3) participating in a falls prevention intervention, and 4) continuing regular physical activity. Technological innovations may enhance this approach by improving quality, accessibility, affordability and sustainability of care. This study explored the potential added value of five technologies within this framework.

2. Method
A three-phase mixed-methods design was applied. First, a longlist of technologies was screened against seven inclusion criteria, resulting in five selected innovations. Second, existing evidence was gathered through a literature review and assessed using predefined key performance indicators (i.e. quality of care, accessibility, affordability, sustainability). Third, supplementary insights were obtained via semi-structured interviews with end-users, primarily healthcare professionals.

3. Results
Technologies were mapped to specific steps of the chain approach: Smart Floor and Maak Rimpels Clip for step 1; C-Mill for step 3; and SilverFit and Fylm for step 4. All technologies demonstrated potential benefits in awareness, motivation, and user experience. None of the technologies fully replaced conventional methods, and evidence on cost-effectiveness and sustainability remains limited. Professional involvement was generally required, reducing prospects for immediate efficiency gains.

4. Conclusions
Technological innovations offer complementary value to falls prevention by fostering engagement and enabling hybrid care models. While they cannot substitute traditional approaches yet, their integration may support broader goals of awareness and adherence. Further research should address long-term effectiveness, scalability, and economic impact to inform policy decisions.