'Make a move' falls prevention project: an area health service collaboration.

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Since a lack of physical activity is a risk factor for falling, effective interventions to increase participation rates among older people need to be found. This project assessed the viability of a metropolitan Area Health Service collaboration to increase physical activity rates among older people.

METHODS

A collaboration involving six Area Health Services in the Sydney metropolitan area, central coast of New South Wales (NSW), and NSW Department of Health was established. Interventions included a communication strategy to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity for preventing falls and enhancement of local physical activity programs for older people. A repeated measures cross-sectional design was used to assess increases in physical activity programs and older people's participation, and data of fall-related hospital admissions were examined. Annual activity logs were completed to track local project activities. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and workshops were used to review the collaborative management model.

RESULTS

Response to the communication strategy and gains in physical activity programs for older people varied among Area Health Services. Overall, approximately 2,929 people called the campaign inquiry hotlines in response to the media campaign, Area Health Service-supported exercise programs for older people increased by 19%, participation rates increased by 16%, and fall-related hospital admissions were observed to plateau. The collaborative management model used was somewhat effective, but had difficulties for the issue being addressed.

CONCLUSION

'Make a Move' added value to local physical activity programs for older people and increased the number of older people participating in Area Health Service-supported exercise programs. Collaborative projects are worthwhile if they address the right issue, involve the right partners and have sound management processes.