Patient perspectives on falls in persons with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION

Falls and their consequences are known to be major contributors to decreased health and well-being in older adults. Several studies suggest that fall rates are higher among individuals with disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is a knowledge gap regarding how individuals with a disability define falls or understand their consequences.

OBJECTIVE

To gain the perspective of community-dwelling adults living with MS about falls and their consequences and to understand the conditions and circumstances surrounding falls, and to identify the specific attributes of a community fall-prevention program that would facilitate participation.

DESIGN

Focus groups or individual interviews were conducted with people with MS.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults living with MS (n = 20) (men = 8 [34.7%], mean age 63.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 5.3, range 55-75]). Average time since diagnosis was 20.6 years (SD 9.6, range 9-44).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Not applicable.

RESULTS

All participants agreed that the definition of a fall required "ending up on the floor." However, the starting point differed depending on mobility ability and device use. When using the most common research definition, individuals reported an increase in their number of falls as compared to when using their personal definition. Most participants considered "fear of falling" to be different from "concern about falling." Participants wanted to learn how to fall and would not join a program with the word "fall" in the title.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that fall data for individuals with MS may not be reported accurately. Health care providers would get more accurate data if they provide specific definitions for falls and ask specifically about fear and concern about falling. Patient-centered programming needs to be developed that includes both how to fall and how to engage people with MS, including potential facilitators and barriers to participation.