TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Transitioning towards a virtual falls prevention program for frail seniors: learning from the experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
JO  - Canadian geriatrics journal
A1  - Norris, Mireille
A1  - Liu, Barbara
A1  - Kalocsai, Csilla
A1  - Weiss, Sophie M.
SP  - 141
EP  - 151
VL  - 27
IS  - 2
N2  - BACKGROUND: The literature to date is unable to clearly characterize the appropriateness of virtual care for falls prevention services from the patient perspective. In response to COVID-19, the Falls Prevention Program (FPP) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was modified to include virtual components. We set out to uncover the experiences of this unique older-adult patient population to inform FPP quality improvement and appropriate incorporation of technology post-pandemic. <br><br>METHODS: FPP patients during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 - February 2022) and their primary caregivers met inclusion criteria. Out of 18 eligible patients, 10 consented to participate in 20-minute, semi-structured telephone interviews conducted and transcribed by the first author. Inductive coding followed by theme generation occurred through collaborative analysis. <br><br>RESULTS: The participants (n=10) were 60% female, mean age 84 years (SD 5.8), 60% living alone, and 70% university educated. We generated three main themes: 1) First Steps First, revealed a common desire for physical and mental support and the perceived essentials of a successful FPP highlighting the importance of program length and individualized attention; 2) Overcoming Obstacles, highlighted participants' experiences overcoming barriers with technology in the context of an isolating pandemic; and 3) Advancing Care Post-Pandemic, elaborated on the appropriateness of virtual care and delved into the importance of program personalization. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The interviewed older adults revealed agreement on the FPP's necessity and the importance of increasing program length, one-on-one interaction, and program flexibility for unique patient needs. Incorporating virtual assessment prior to in-person exercises was largely favoured and should be considered as an appropriate use of technology post-pandemic.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1925-8348
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.5770/cgj.27.722
ID  - ref1
ER  -