Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?Falls are a common occurrence among older adults, and Veterans have an even higher risk of falling compared to non-Veterans. These falls often lead to severe health consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize fall prevention in order to reduce injuries and enable older Veterans to age comfortably at home. Although current fall prevention programs in the Veterans Health Administration primarily focus on inpatient care and nursing homes, there is a pressing need to address falls among older Veterans living independently in the community. The proposed VA-specific Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) model aims to proactively prevent falls in older Veterans who receive primary care, effectively reducing the occurrence of adverse health events associated with falls. By placing emphasis on prevention rather than reacting after falls have already happened, this initiative seeks to significantly enhance the overall well-being of older Veterans.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for older Veterans who are at risk of falling and live independently. It's designed to help them avoid falls and the serious injuries that can result. To join, they should be receiving primary care through the Veterans Health Administration.Inclusion Criteria
I am 65 years old or older.
Exclusion Criteria
I have a neurological condition like stroke, MS, or Parkinson's.
I use a wheelchair to get around.
Treatment Details
The FRIM model being tested includes physical therapy exercises to strengthen muscles, reviews of medications by clinical pharmacologists, changes at home recommended by occupational therapists to make it safer, and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve mental health.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Fall Risk Identification and Management ModelExperimental Treatment4 Interventions
Participants will be assessed on four fall risk factors including physical, psychological, pharmacological, and environmental. If a participant screens positive for a fall risk factor, they will then be referred to an existing VHA care pathway. The care pathways include: strengthening via physical therapy or Gerofit for physical fall risk, cognitive behavioral therapy via clinical psychology or occupational therapy for psychological fall risk, deprescription via clinical pharmacy for pharmacological fall risk, and home safety modifications via occupational therapy for environmental fall risk.
Group II: Standard of careActive Control1 Intervention
This group will received current standard of care within the Rocky Mountain Regional GeriPACT clinic.
Find a clinic near you
Research locations nearbySelect from list below to view details:
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, COAurora, CO
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Who is running the clinical trial?
VA Office of Research and DevelopmentLead Sponsor