Challenges and opportunities for falls prevention: an online survey across European healthcare professionals

Seppala, Lotta; Frith, James; Skelton, Dawn; Becker, Clemens; Blain, Hubert; Kenny, Rose-Anne; Linn, Annemiek; Ryg, Jesper; Arnadottir, Solveig; BAHAT-ÖZTÜRK, Gülistan; Bonnici, Maria; Mora, María; Dionyssiotis, Yannis; Frankenthal, Dvora; Hartikainen, Sirpa; Helbostad, Jorunn; Herrero, Alvaro; İlhan, Birkan; Jonsdottir, Anna; Markovski, Marija; Roller-Wirnsberger, Regina; Ruggiero, Carmelinda; Saltvedt, Ingvild; Skalska, Anna; Smedberg, Daniel; Soulis, George; Szczerbińska, Katarzyna; Topinkova, Eva; Veninšek, Gregor; Vlaeyen, Ellen; Ylli, Alban; van der Velde, Nathalie

doi:10.1007/s41999-025-01237-5

Challenges and opportunities for falls prevention: an online survey across European healthcare professionals

Seppala L. J., Frith J., Skelton D. A., Becker C., Blain H., Kenny R., ...More

European Geriatric Medicine, vol.16, no.4, pp.1269-1282, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Publication Type: Article / Article
Volume: 16 Issue: 4
Publication Date: 2025
Doi Number: 10.1007/s41999-025-01237-5
Journal Name: European Geriatric Medicine
Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
Page Numbers: pp.1269-1282
Keywords: Falls prevention, Geriatric medicine, Implementation, Injury, Survey
Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: To explore education and knowledge, current practices, barriers, and facilitators for the implementation of falls prevention services among healthcare professionals in Europe. Findings: The top five barriers to implementation of falls prevention included staffing issues, time constraints, non-adherence among older adults, workload pressures related to falls prevention, and competing priorities; and the top five facilitators included more time, user-friendly guidelines, adequate resources, enhanced education and training opportunities for professionals, and strengthened inter-professional collaborative practices. There was variation between regions and countries in the ranking of top barriers and facilitators. Message: It is necessary to tailor the falls prevention implementation strategy to the local context and actively involve all stakeholders.