Mixed-methods evaluation of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) Programme Implementation Toolkit

Singh, S; Kendrick, D; Vickers, R; Orton, E

Abstract

Background
The Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme has been shown to be effective in reducing falls in older adults. This study explores how a falls prevention toolkit (FaME toolkit) can be improved to increase adoption and fidelity of FaME.
Study design
Sequential mixed-methods design comprising a survey followed by semi-structured interviews.
Methods
Toolkit downloaders providing contact details for feedback were surveyed by email. Survey respondents and professional contacts of the research team who had used the toolkit but not undertaken the survey were invited to interviews. The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) version 2.0 was used as an analysis framework for interviews.
Results
The survey response rate was 5%. Thirteen interviews were conducted. The toolkit was perceived as a trusted resource which aligned well with interviewees’ organisational goals and policies. It was easy to read and understand and toolkit resources were viewed positively. It was seen as useful especially in early stages of commissioning or setting up FaME programmes. There was some evidence the toolkit helped with commissioning, getting funding, or spreading FaME programmes, but lack of funding was a common restriction that the toolkit did not help overcome. Many interviewees felt the toolkit met their needs in delivering FaME, improving quality of FaME delivery and monitoring or evaluating FaME. A range of toolkit improvements were identified.
Conclusions
The toolkit helped with delivering FaME, improving quality of FaME delivery and monitoring or evaluating FaME, and to a lesser extent with commissioning. A range of toolkit improvements were identified. The survey low response rate limits generalisability of the survey findings. Future iterations of the toolkit will require further evaluation. This evaluation should be planned alongside toolkit revision to ensure maximal use of evidence-based strategies to enhance response rates.

Citation

Singh, S., Kendrick, D., Vickers, R., & Orton, E. (2024). Mixed-methods evaluation of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) Programme Implementation Toolkit

• Working Paper Type: Working Paper
• Publication Date: 2024-10
• Deposit Date: Nov 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 12, 2024
• Series Title: East Midlands Research into Ageing Network (EMRAN) Discussion Paper Series Mixed-methods evaluation of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) Programme Implementation Toolkit
• Series Number: 53
• Series ISSN: 2059-3341
• Keywords: Falls prevention, exercise programmes, toolkit, implementation, commissioning
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/42479304
• Related Public URLs: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/emran/
• Additional Information: East Midlands Research into Ageing Network (EMRAN) is a research collaboration across the East Midlands to facilitate applied research into ageing and the care of older people.