Feasibility of the Stroll Safe Outdoor Fall Prevention Program

OBJECTIVE. Although half of falls occur outdoors, existing prevention programs focus primarily on risk factors for indoor falls. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Stroll Safe outdoor fall prevention program and to obtain feedback to refine the program and research methods to plan a larger scale study. METHOD. A quasi-experimental design (N = 24) was used. A fidelity checklist, attendance records, a focus group, and a reflective log were used to conduct a process, resource, and project management assessment. Preliminary outcomes were examined using fall calendars and standardized measures of fall prevention strategy use. RESULTS. Needed modifications were determined. Preliminary outcomes reveal increased use of fall prevention strategies and decreased stumbles, trips, slips, and falls outdoors among program participants. CONCLUSION. The Stroll Safe program is an innovative new program that is feasible to implement among community-dwelling older adults. Further study is warranted.