Comparing fall prevention indicator priorities for public health and across health sectors in Ontario

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among older adults across many provinces in Canada. To effectively address this burden requires relevant data and indicators to inform fall prevention planning and evaluation. Methods We used a modified Delphi approach, including an environmental scan, survey and pairwise comparison exercise to identify, refine and prioritize older adult fall prevention indicators across multiple health sectors (MS) in Ontario and specifically for public health (PH). Three iterative phases of consultation were conducted with practitioners, as well as experts in injury prevention indicator development. Results The prioritization exercise resulted in differing priorities between MS and PH. The highest ranked indicator for MS was the rate of ED visits, and the lowest was disability-adjusted life years due to a fall. For PH, the rate of hospitalizations due to a fall was ranked first, with the rate of mortality due to a falllast. The remainder of the list differs considerably by group, with certain indicators ranked on one list, but not the other. Conclusion This work identified, refined and prioritized indicators for older adult fall prevention across health sectors and for PH in Ontario. While both groups shared some highly ranked indicators, their differing responsibilities in fall prevention are reflected in the contents and order of their respective priorities for indicators. Delineating the unique data needs of each group highlights the importance of having consistent and actionable data that informs prevention planning and evaluation. Medical Subject Headings [MeSH]: Accidental falls; Policy; Wounds and Injuries;