Web-based home-hazard modification app for falls prevention: the views of those at risk of falling and their carers
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 14 July 2020
Issue publication date: 7 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to assess the usability and acceptability of FallCheck, a Web app that allows users to complete home-hazard assessments within their own home, with a group of people at risk of falling and their carers.
Design/methodology/approach
This mixed method study used an online survey followed by semi-structured telephone interviews to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A Think-Aloud study was used to test usability of the Web app through structured tasks.
Findings
Findings showed that FallCheck was easy to use with few usability issues. The Web app was deemed appropriate to use by people at risk of falling (young or old) or by carers if appropriate. The depth of knowledge provision and breadth of content was acceptable, and many participants reported subsequently making changes to their home environment to reduce their risk of falling. Overall, the majority of participants reported feelings of improved confidence and safety with an increased awareness of fall risks and a reduction in fear of falling at home.
Practical implications
FallCheck has good acceptability and usability with people at risk of falling and their carers and has the potential to improve access to home-hazard assessment and affect behavioural change regarding fall risk hazards and behaviour.
Originality/value
This study describes successful use of an app that may be helpful in identifying home-hazards and making changes to reduce risk of falls, particularly in the absence of occupational therapy intervention and has the potential for integration into falls care pathways.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declaration of authorship: All authors made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work (NH/GW/AWC); the acquisition, analysis or interpretation of data for the work (NH/GW/AWC/RM) and were involved in drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content (NH/GW/AWC/RM); final approval of the version to be published (NH/GW/AWC/RM) and have agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.Funding: This project was funding by Coventry University’s Pump-Priming grant.
Citation
Holliday, N., Ward, G., Walker-Clarke, A. and Molitor, R. (2020), "Web-based home-hazard modification app for falls prevention: the views of those at risk of falling and their carers", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 141-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-12-2019-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited