Affiliation:
1. Division of Trauma, Department of Orthopaedics The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus Ohio USA
2. Division of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus Ohio USA
3. Chronic Brain Injury Program The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
4. The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Research Institute Columbus Ohio USA
5. Department of Emergency Medicine The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus Ohio USA
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundMillions of older US adults fall annually, leading to catastrophic injuries, over 32,000 deaths and healthcare costs of over $55 billion. This study evaluated perceived benefits and limitations of using community paramedicine for fall prevention strategies from the lens of older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers.MethodsSemi‐structured focus groups were held with individuals from three stakeholder groups: (1) community‐dwelling older adults (age ≥60), (2) caregivers, and (3) healthcare providers. The Strengths‐Weaknesses‐Opportunities‐Threats (SWOT) framework was used to quantitatively analyze stakeholder perceptions of using community paramedicine for fall prevention strategies.ResultsA total of 10 focus groups were held with 56 participants representing older adults (n = 15), caregivers (n = 16), and healthcare providers (n = 25). Community paramedicine was supported as a model of fall prevention by older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Participants identified strengths such as visibility to the home environment, ability to implement home modifications, implicit trust in emergency medical services (EMS), and capacity to redirect resources toward prevention. Additionally, participants acknowledged opportunities such as providing continuity of care across the healthcare spectrum, improving quality and safety of care and potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department use. Participants endorsed weaknesses and threats such as funding, concerns of patients about stigma, and struggles with medical data integration.ConclusionsThe results of this study illuminate the opportunity to leverage community paramedicine to address a variety of perceived barriers in order to design and implement better solutions for fall prevention efforts.
Funder
National Institute on Aging
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology