218 Fall prevention indicators for use in public health practice. (20th November 2022) - Medeiros, Alexia
Abstract : Background: In Canada, falls represents the leading cause of injury deaths. In 2018, falls exacted a higher total cost than any other cause at $10.3 billion. The populations most impacted by falls in Canada are children and older adults. Stakeholders in a multi-sectoral injury prevention collaborative in Ontario, Canada expressed the need for indicators that better inform their work and reflect a system-level approach to reporting for both child and older adult fall prevention. We sought to develop a prioritized list of indicators and create resources to respond to this request. Methods: An environmental scan, including a Modified Delphi process, was conducted to develop a set of indicators that would prompt action at a system-level. This included a scientific and grey literature review, and consultation with stakeholders and experts. Data collection included indicators currently in use as well as novel indicators recommended for use in both fall prevention program development and evaluation. Results: Consensus was achieved on a list of indicators prioritized to prompt action and decision-making for both child and older adult fall prevention. Indicators were grouped into two categories: outcome indicators and policy indicators. Conclusion: The environmental scan and Modified Delphi process was successful in establishing a set of indicators that can be used systematically by practitioners for both child and older adult fall prevention programming and evaluation. Learning Outcomes: Use of these indicators can reduce the duplication of reporting efforts across sectors and increase opportunities to compare data across settings. Further research will evaluate the use of the indicators in public health practice.