Mrs Susan Melchert1, Dr Daniel Lowrie1, Prof Alison Pighills1
1James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Biography:
Susan Melchert is an accomplished Occupational Therapist with over two decades of experience, most of which has been focused on clinical and managerial roles. Now based at James Cook University, Susan’s personal and professional experiences inform her evidence based and empathic approach to teaching. Recently commencing a PhD focusing on supporting knowledge translation in falls prevention, Susan is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to create safer environments for individuals at risk of falls. Beyond her professional achievements, Susan is proud to balance the demands of academia and a busy family life.
Abstract:
Introduction:
As prevalence of falls in older adults increases so does risk of injury and the cost of healthcare relating to falls. Evidence shows that environmental assessment and modification (EAM) completed by an occupational therapist can decrease the risk of falls. Despite efforts to translate the evidence into practice, EAM is not routinely implemented. Understanding current knowledge translation practices from content experts provides insight into improving implementation strategies and increasing uptake of EAM into practice.
Objective:
To examine the current experience of disseminating and translating EAM research into practice.
Method:
This study will gather data via a focus group with knowledge translation and falls research experts. The focus group with be formed in accordance with qualitative descriptive design and interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
The outcome of this focus group will provide valuable insight into the current dissemination of evidence-based EAM practice. The data gathered will provide an understanding of the lessons learned from implementing from implementing evidence-based occupational therapy led EAM. Additionally, it will ascertain enabling and limiting factors of translating the evidence into practice. Furthermore, the data will allow for insight into possible improvement to implementation strategies for future dissemination.
Conclusion:
Expert views on current dissemination of evidence-based falls prevention EAM provide a baseline for future strategies to increase implementation amongst occupational therapists. It is hoped that increased implementation of evidence-based falls prevention will lead to a decrease of falls risk in the community.