Research Abstract:

Outdoor falls prevention is a critical component of healthy aging. The Stroll Safe Outdoor Falls Prevention program has been shown to be effective in improving safe community mobility strategies among community-dwelling older adults. However, there are limited implementation strategies available for occupational therapists wanting to implement the program. Implementation science is the study of methods that foster “the integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine health care and public health settings” (Lu, 2021). Considering the feasibility of the program, and the results of the recently completed efficacy trial, the purpose of our project is to develop implementation strategies based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation model (CFIR) and existing research literature. Implementation strategies such as intervention-specific tool kits, checklists, and instructional videos are utilized to promote the uptake of evidence-based interventions which can improve health care practice. We seek to enhance the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of a specific intervention program, namely Stroll Safe (Curran, 2015). The CFIR constructs a combination of existing theories to understand the factors that contribute to implementation. In order to inform the development of implementation strategies, we utilized the CFIR model and peer reviewed articles on implementation strategies for falls prevention in older adults. The learning materials we will develop and present include instructional videos, video outlines and a tip sheet for leading effective groups. In order to assist OT’s and promote the program, these implementation strategies will ensure that OT’s are well equipped to support older adults who seek to implement strategies for safe community mobility and outdoor falls prevention. As an emerging field, we are encouraging the use of implementation science in Occupational Therapy to develop strategies to generalize the use of the Stroll Safe Program.

Bio

I'm Mohamed Abdelnabi. I am a second year MSOT student in the department of Occupational Therapy. I graduated from CUNY Queens College with a BA in Nutrition and Dietetics. I am passionate about learning about physical disabilities and hand therapy, and hope to become a certified hand therapist. In doing so, I hope to gain experience working as a OT in acute and outpatient settings to rehabilitate patients to function daily with their most potential.

I am Nalda Abellard. I am a second year MSOT student in the Occupational therapy. I graduated from Brooklyn college with a BA in biology. I chose to pursue Occupational Therapy because of my interest in science and psychology. As a student in the Occupational Therapy program, my interest in the field continues to grow as I expand my knowledge. However, I am particular interested in working with the pediatric population to help children develop the skills needed to reach their milestones.

I am Claudia Bolivar and I'm a second-year MSOT student in the Department of Occupational Therapy. I graduated from Hunter College with a BA in Psychology. I chose to pursue Occupational Therapy as it is a field encompassing my interests in both mental and physical health. My passions lie in working with children with developmental disabilities and their families by improving strength and functioning to achieve their developmental milestones.

I am Edward Guzman and I'm a second year MSOT student. I was born in San Deigo, California and recieved a B.S. in Human Development at California State University, San Marcos. I was first introduced to occupational therapy through a family friend and their two boys who have ASD. Growing up alongside them taught me what empathy means, the lack of understanding and stigmatization of the disorder. Growing up in a hispanic household created the spark to pursue being an advocate for occupational therapy for hispanic/Latino community.