Process-evaluation of a home visit programme to prevent falls and mobility impairments among elderly people at risk

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a detailed evaluation of the intervention process of a multifactorial home visit programme aimed at preventing falls and mobility impairments among elderly persons living in the community. The aim of the study is to provide insight in factors related to the intervention process that may have influenced the effectiveness of this home visit programme. The programme consisted of five home visits performed by a community nurse over a period of 1 year. During the home visits the participants were screened for risk factors potentially influencing falls and mobility. The screening was followed by recommendations, referrals, and other actions aimed at dealing with the hazards observed. Data regarding the intervention process were gathered by means of interviews with nurses and participants, and by means of structured forms and questionnaires administered by the nurses during the intervention period. We conclude that our 1-year multifactorial home visit programme consisting of five home visits is feasible for nurses and participants. Despite this, it seems to be an unsuitable intervention technique to reduce falls and mobility impairments among elderly people at risk.