McFarlane Kayla J, Kanji Amisha, Naude Alida
Department of Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2025 Apr 23;67(1):e1-e8. doi: 10.4102/safp.v67i1.6072.
Falls among older adults are a major public health issue. In South Africa, where the elderly population is expected to quadruple within the next three decades, fall prevention is critical.
This study evaluated South African audiologists' perceived knowledge, views and reported practices regarding fall risk screening (FRS) in older adults. A quantitative online survey was conducted using an adapted questionnaire designed to assess various aspects of FRS practice. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The survey received responses from 106 audiologists. Most respondents reported using familiar tools, such as case history and vestibular assessments, to conduct FRS, with fewer utilising functional balance measures. Only 11% of audiologists reported prior knowledge of FRS, while 69% - 74% perceived their knowledge as insufficient to screen or counsel older adults. While 58% recognised FRS as part of the audiologist's scope, only 21% felt comfortable conducting it. Key barriers included insufficient training (80%) and time constraints (48%). Despite this, 98% expressed interest in learning about FRS and 90% believed FRS could enhance the profession.
The findings underscore the need for improved clinical guidelines, educational initiatives and practice standards to better equip audiologists in fall prevention efforts and a collaborative approach to fall risk management for older adults.Contribution: This study emphasises the importance of incorporating FRS into undergraduate audiology curricula and continuous professional development programmes and encourages the use of a biopsychosocial approach and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams in fall risk management for older adults.
老年人跌倒问题是一个重大的公共卫生问题。在南非，预计老年人口在未来三十年将增长四倍，预防跌倒至关重要。
本研究评估了南非听力学家对老年人跌倒风险筛查（FRS）的认知、看法及报告的实践情况。采用经过改编的问卷进行定量在线调查，该问卷旨在评估FRS实践的各个方面。使用描述性和推断性统计方法分析数据。
该调查收到了106名听力学家的回复。大多数受访者报告使用熟悉的工具，如病史和前庭评估来进行FRS，较少有人使用功能平衡测量方法。只有11%的听力学家报告之前了解FRS，而69% - 74%的人认为他们的知识不足以筛查或为老年人提供咨询。虽然58%的人认可FRS是听力学家工作范围的一部分，但只有21%的人对进行FRS感到得心应手。主要障碍包括培训不足（80%）和时间限制（48%）。尽管如此，98%的人表示有兴趣了解FRS，90%的人认为FRS可以提升该职业。
研究结果强调需要改进临床指南、教育举措和实践标准，以使听力学家在预防跌倒工作中具备更好的能力，并采用协作方法进行老年人跌倒风险管理。贡献：本研究强调将FRS纳入本科听力课程和持续专业发展计划的重要性，并鼓励在老年人跌倒风险管理中采用生物心理社会方法以及多学科团队之间的协作。
