LAUSR

Introduction: A framework of complex interventions to reduce falls and fall-related admissions has been developed by a multi-agency working group across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough to form an integrated evidence-based Falls Prevention Programme. Current services, funded by a raft of health and care partners involved, deliver within and towards these approaches. However, there is no systematic overview of effectiveness, nor of quality and join-up with and between services. Moreover, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the elements essential for translating this framework, which spans different approaches for varying needs across the population, into tangible improvements at operational level. Method: This project to identify and understand what is needed to a) implement and b) evaluate local falls prevention activity most effectively is using opportunities offered by IT re-configurations and new service innovations. Three work packages employ complementary methods to maximise learning from the assessment of implementation roll-out. WP1 Understanding fall prevention service implementation in practice: an observational study of new services developing in real time (case studies: pilot project embedding a dedicated falls lead within a local neighbourhood team; development of falls specialist health trainer roles). WP2 Understanding enablers and barriers for falls prevention programmes: a qualitative study exploring multiple perspectives from practitioners across services, older people and families. WP3 Understanding data for falls prevention programmes: action research with information managers and data users developing county-wide “Falls Dashboard” to enhance delivery and evaluation of fall prevention. Results and Conclusion(s): There is a need for robust intelligence to inform the implementation and evaluation of falls prevention programmes in the context of real world delivery with variability in structures and resource constraints in differing settings. Findings from this evaluation in progress across a diverse county will be informative for other initiatives elsewhere.