Falls Prevention Workshop

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Centre for Aging SMART
Falls Prevention Workshop: The Latest in Evidence and in Practice

This 2-part workshop is organized by the Falls Prevention Clinic and the Centre for Aging SMART. The workshop delivers evidence and clinical guidelines in falls prevention, including risk assessment, interventions, and evidence-based strategies to promote adherence to recommendations. Case-based learning will be embedded within this workshop.

Day 1, Wednesday, June 14, includes the latest global falls guidelines, evidence-based risk assessment, evidence-based interventions, and exercise prescription to prevent falls.

Day 2, Monday, June 26, includes environmental modification to prevent falls, promoting a balanced 24-hour day to enhance overall health, motivational interviewing, and Brief Action Planning.

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Centre for Aging SMART Falls Prevention Workshop (1)

Questions about the workshop?
Use the form on our Contact Us page!

Dates: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 1 pm to 4 pm
Monday, June 26, 2023 3 pm to 6 pm

Location: Centre for Aging SMART
2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Cost: $100 CAD, includes both days

Schedule

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 1 pm to 4 pm PST

Workshop Day 1: 1 pm to 4 pm PST, in-person event.

Session 1: Global Guidelines for Falls Prevention and Management: Putting into Practice
Presented by Dr Ken Madden, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Session Description: Falls are a major health concern for older adults worldwide. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths, making them a serious public health issue. However, falls are preventable, and evidence-based guidelines have been developed to reduce the incidence of falls in older adults. In this session, we will discuss the most recent global falls guidelines and applying them in clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand how to assess for risk factors for falls in older adults, including medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors
Participants will learn about evidence-based global falls guidelines and identify key components of falls prevention strategies, such as exercise, medication review, and home modifications
Participants will be able to develop an evidence-based approach to falls prevention in clinical practice, including strategies for assessing risk and implementing interventions

Session 2: Falls Risk Screening: Essential Tools
Presented by Dr Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD, PT

Session Description: Over 130 intrinsic risk factors have been identified so how does one approach falls risk screening, especially within the context of limited resources, space, and time? This session is tailored for allied health professionals working with older adults who may be at risk for falls.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to use evidence-based screening tools that can be implemented in most settings to assess the risk of falling
Participants will be able to interpret the results of falls risk screening assessments and determine appropriate interventions based on the patient's risk level

Session 3: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Strategies
Presented by Dr Jennifer Davis, PhD

Session Description: Falls can be prevented, even among those who have previously fallen. This session will provide an overview of evidence-based falls prevention strategies, including exercise, medication review, home modifications, vision assessment, and other interventions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify evidence-based interventions for falls prevention (i.e., environmental modifications, exercise) and for whom

Session 4: Exercise to Prevent Falls: What are the Key Ingredients?
Presented by Tracy Dignum, PT, M.Ed.

Session Description: The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based approach for primary and secondary falls prevention in community dwelling older adults. The OEP is an individualized and progressive strength, balance, and walking program. In this presentation we will outline program delivery and highlight key characteristics of the OEP that contributes to its effectiveness in reducing falls.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to describe the OEP delivery model for community dwelling older adults, including the strength, balance, and walking components; visit schedule of the physical therapist; and clinical documentation
Participants will learn how to individualize the OEP exercises based on assessment findings and the home environment
Participants will be able to describe the progressive nature of the OEP exercises and learn how to appropriately challenge and motivate participants over time
Participants will be able to identify the key characteristics of the OEP that contributes to its effectiveness in reducing falls

Monday, June 26, 2023 3 pm to 6 pm PST

Workshop Day 2: 3 pm to 6 pm PST, in-person event.

Session 1: The Environment and Falls: How to Reduce Risk
Presented by Jasleen Grewal, OT, MSc

Session Description: The home environment is a key extrinsic risk factor for falls among community dwelling older adults. Thus, it is important for healthcare professionals to assess and modify the home environment that impacts mobility and transfers – especially among those who have experienced a prior fall at home. In this session, we will discuss the assessment and key strategies to modify the home environment to reduce falls risk.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to identify common hazards in the home environment that contribute to falls
Participants will gain an understanding of how to evaluate the physical abilities and limitations of the individual in relation to their home environment
Participants will be able to identify appropriate assistive devices and equipment to enhance safety and mobility in the home
Participants will be able to identify modifications to the home environment that reduce the risk of falls, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing clutter

Session 2: Strategies to Promote a Balanced 24-hour Day for Overall Wellbeing and Health in Older Adults
Presented by Dr Linda Li, PhD, PT

Session Description: A balanced 24-hour day can also help to prevent or manage a range of health conditions that are common in older adults, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. However, it is a challenge for many of us to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The session begins with an overview of the importance of a balanced 24-hour day and the benefits it can have on overall health and wellbeing. Dr Li then discusses techniques and strategies to promote physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, and promote sleep in older adults with complex medical conditions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain an understanding of the complexity of balancing of activity, rest, and sleep in a 24-hour day in older adults with complex health conditions
Participants will be able to identify behavioral change techniques to support “meaningful” activities and improve sleep in older adults
Participants will be able to discuss the use of digital technology to support an individualized approach to promote a balanced 24-hour day in older adults

Session 3: Brief Action Planning to Support Self-Management of Falls Risk
Presented by Dr Jasmin Ma, PhD

Session Description: Brief Action Planning is designed to be a brief and flexible intervention that can be used in a variety of healthcare settings and with patients with different health conditions. The approach is based on principles of motivational interviewing and self-determination theory, which emphasize the importance of patient-centered care, active listening, and empowerment. Brief Action Planning can be effective in promoting behavior change and improving patient outcomes. Brief Action Planning has also been found to be acceptable and feasible for use in diverse patient populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify foundational concepts of motivational interviewing
Participants will be able to identity evidence-informed strategies for moving from barrier identification to behavioural interventions
Participants will gain experience in Brief Action Planning, including identifying goals and creating an action plan

Speakers

Dr Ken Madden, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Dr Ken Madden is a Professor of Medicine and holds the Allan M. McGavin Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He is the President of the Canadian Geriatrics Society and the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Geriatrics Journal. His lab has examined the effect of exercise interventions in older adults with Type 2 diabetes, the ability of different forms of exercise to impact arterial stiffness in subjects at high cardiometabolic risk, and the impact of sedentary behaviours on cardiometabolic risk factors. He has also examined the impact of age and diabetes on postprandial cardiovascular responses and orthostatic intolerance. He is division head of Geriatric Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital, and holds peer-reviewed grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. He is chair of the North American Regional Committee for the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Dr Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD, PT

Dr Teresa Liu-Ambrose is a Professor, Canada Research Chair and a physical therapist in the Department of Physical Therapy. She directs the Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, as well as the Falls Prevention Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. Dr Liu-Ambrose’s research laboratory, The Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, focuses on defining the role of exercise to promote healthy aging, with a particular focus on cognitive and neural plasticity, as well as mobility. Various method are utilized in the lab, including randomized controlled trials, functional neuroimaging, and actigraphy.

Dr Jennifer Davis, PhD

Dr Jennifer Davis is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Applied Health Economics, a Michael Smith Health Research BC Career Scholar, and an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Management. Her career goal is to improve the health of Canadians through applied health economic evaluation and outcomes research. Jennifer’s research focuses on conducting economics evaluations alongside randomized controlled trials (i.e., cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses) in a variety of clinical settings that include falls, fracture and cognition. A core part of Jennifer’s current research program includes health outcomes research (i.e., exploring the value of patient reported outcome measures) in the fields of healthy aging. Jennifer also enthusiastically contributes as a co-director of operations of the Falls Prevention Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. Dr. Davis is working collaboratively on an initiative to apply proven cost-effective and cost-saving secondary falls prevention interventions for high risk older adults across BC.

Tracy Dignum, PT, M.Ed.

Tracy Dignum (BScPT, MEd, MSc) Tracy completed her physical therapy degree at Queen’s University in 1991 and has worked clinically as a physiotherapist in public and private practice for over 30 years in Ontario and British Columbia. Tracy has been an instructor and program coordinator of Capilano University’s Rehabilitation Assistant Program in BC since 2003 and is currently the Chair of Allied Health. She completed her Master of Education in adult learning from Memorial University in 2011 with an emphasis on memory and retention which resulted in her providing a 2013 TEDx talk titled Memory and Retention: Tips for Parents. She obtained her Master of Science degree in rehabilitation science from UBC, where she conducted a clinical trial assessing the impact of mindful meditation, combined with exercise, on mobility and cognitive function among older adults with chronic stroke. Tracy enjoys providing fall prevention physical therapy services to community dwelling older adults. She is also a part-time practice advisor for the College of Physical Therapists of BC.

Dr. Linda Li is Professor and Harold Robinson/Arthritis Society Chair at the Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, and Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Patient-oriented Knowledge Translation. Dr. Li’s research centers on improving the care for people with arthritis and supporting self-care activities. Her work focuses on the integration of online, mobile, and wearable tools in health care. Examples include the use of wearables and apps to promote a balanced 24-hour day in people with arthritis, and to improve physical activity in older adults to prevent falls. Dr. Li’s work in knowledge translation and implementation science has led to a new line of studies on strategies for engaging with patients and the public in the research process.

Jasleen Grewal, OT, MSc

Jasleen Grewal is currently a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia, investigating the use of novel treatment modalities such as, virtual reality, in the brain injury population. Jasleen completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Western University, after completing her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto. Clinically, Jasleen has experience working as an occupational therapist in various practice areas including community mental health, acute care, pediatric clinic settings and home care. Jasleen is passionate about helping individuals complete the activities they find meaningful.

Dr Linda Li, PhD, PT

Dr Linda Li is Professor and Harold Robinson/Arthritis Society Chair at the Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, and Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Patient-oriented Knowledge Translation. Dr Li’s research centers on improving the care for people with arthritis and supporting self-care activities. Her work focuses on the integration of online, mobile, and wearable tools in health care. Examples include the use of wearables and apps to promote a balanced 24-hour day in people with arthritis, and to improve physical activity in older adults to prevent falls. Dr Li’s work in knowledge translation and implementation science has led to a new line of studies on strategies for engaging with patients and the public in the research process.

Dr Jasmin Ma, PhD

Dr Jasmin Ma is an assistant professor of teaching in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, a Clinician Investigator with Arthritis Research Canada, Investigator with the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, and a kinesiologist. She teaches and provides training in the areas of exercise prescription, physical activity behaviour change, and disability. Her research and educational leadership activities include three areas of focus: 1) implementing experiential learning opportunities in community-based exercise settings, 2) co-developing knowledge translation tools for clinicians to promote and prescribe physical activity for people with chronic disease and disability, and 3) advancing the methodology of physical activity counselling and tailoring, particularly for people with arthritis and spinal cord injury.

Questions about the workshop?
Use the form on our Contact Us page!

Dates: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 1 pm to 4 pm
Monday, June 26, 2023 3 pm to 6 pm

Location: Centre for Aging SMART
2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Cost: $100 CAD, includes both days