Development of a Fall Risk Identification and Management Model for Older Veterans

Va Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora CO

Investigators

Abstract

Falls among older adults pose a significant risk, leading to life-altering injuries and imposing substantial healthcare costs. There is a pressing need to develop fall prevention models within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) considering Veterans are more likely to fall than their age-matched non-Veteran counterparts, likely secondary to higher rates of functional impairment and comorbidities. Extensive research has identified numerous fall risk factors across physical, psychological, pharmacological, and environmental domains. Further, screening tools and interventions have been developed to identify and manage these risk factors, offering insight on methods to intervene early and prevent falls in older Veterans. Primary care clinics within the VHA are well-positioned to play a crucial role in preventing falls. These clinics are frequently visited by older Veterans for routine care and are widely accessible across the country. However, fall risk assessment is often not included in the standard care provided by VHA primary care clinics, mainly due to barriers like limited time, competing medical priorities, and a lack of training. Consequently, there is a missed opportunity to address fall prevention. Therefore, we are developing a personalized multifactorial model called Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) to prevent falls in older Veterans seen within primary care by addressing known barriers that have limited the uptake of other fall prevention models. Specifically, the FRIM model follows a three-stage process: briefly screening for fall risk during routine primary care visits, conducting telehealth visits to identify specific fall risk factors, and referring Veterans to existing VHA care pathways with established interventions for managing identified risk factors. The objectives of this CDA-2 are to refine (Aim 1; Phase 1) and assess the feasibility (Aim 2; Phase 2) of the FRIM model in preparation for a future efficacy trial. The initial phase, Aim 1, focuses on refining the FRIM model by gathering feedback on each care pathway from Veterans and clinicians through qualitative interviews following a small field test. Additionally, we will assess the impact of each care pathway on fall risk factor assessments. This phase aims to enhance the model based on the integration of perceptions and outcomes. Following the refinement of the FRIM model, Aim 2 entails conducting a randomized controlled feasibility pilot study. This phase will involve the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and candidate efficacy outcomes of the FRIM model while comparing it to VHA standard of care. Along with the planned research project, Dr. Garbin has outlined an extensive training plan and assembled an expert mentorship team to develop his skillset related to clinical trials, qualitative and mixed methods, and scientific leadership. The proposed research for this CDA-2 holds significant potential for optimizing a model that identifies and manages fall risk, potentially leading to a substantial reduction in falls among older Veterans. In addition to the study's outcomes, the comprehensive mentorship received from Dr. Garbin's team and his continued integration into the VHA will lay the foundation for a Merit Award submission, which will investigate the efficacy of the FRIM model using a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT). This award will serve as a catalyst for Dr. Garbin's transition into an independent VA research scientist, dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of falls and enhancing outcomes for older Veterans across the VHA healthcare system.