Translating evidence into practice: a Centre of Expertise as a Model for Advancing Falls and Fracture Prevention in Flanders (Belgium)
Abstract
Introduction
Falls and fall-related fractures are a major and growing public health challenge among older adults. Their multifactorial nature requires an integrated approach combining prevention, clinical care, education and policy. Effective prevention depends on coordinated action tailored to diverse target groups, including older adults, healthcare professionals and policymakers. A dedicated centre of expertise offers a clear structure to align efforts, translate scientific evidence into practice and support large-scale implementation. By integrating evidence, clinical expertise, education and policy priorities, such a centre can strengthen fall and fracture prevention. The Centre of Expertise for Falls and Fracture Prevention Flanders illustrates this approach.
Methods
The EVV is a multidisciplinary, government-funded partnership involving universities, professional associations and public health organisations focused on older adult care. Its mission is implemented through four strategies: (1) informing and raising awareness, (2) developing, testing and updating evidence-based care models and guidelines, (3) disseminating materials and methods, and (4) implementing fall prevention interventions tailored to feasibility and needs using implementation science. All activities aim to translate research into clinical practice.
Results
Key achievements include national guidelines for nursing homes and home care, a Falls Prevention Awareness Week engaging over 1,150 organizations, and evidence-based prevention programs in more than 90 nursing homes and primary care settings, including the BE-EMPOWERed program and the Flemish adaptation of the Otago Exercise Program. The EVV delivered educational activities and maintains an expert network of over 200 healthcare professionals. Internationally, it contributed to the WHO Step Safely initiative, co-authored global guidelines and holds leadership roles in scientific societies.
Conclusion
A centre of expertise provides an efficient structure to align research, practice and policy for fall and fracture prevention. The Flemish model demonstrates how coordinated expertise, sustained partnerships and implementation-focused strategies strengthen prevention and enhance public health impact.
Comments
Clear and impactful poster
The four-strategy framework is practical and transferable, and the wide partnership base shows how falls and fracture prevention can be strengthened through coordinated action across research, clinical practice and policy. It would be interesting to see future work reporting more patient-level outcomes, such as reduction in falls, fractures or functional decline, to further demonstrate its real-world impact.