Falls Management Exercise programme: Improving reach, effectiveness, value and sustainability in Ireland. Case studies for learning (acronym: FaME Ireland): protocol of an observational evaluation study

• DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.14115.1
• Publication Date: 2025-04-24T10:00:09Z
• Authors: Ruth McCullagh; N.Frances Horgan; Caroline Eldridge; Katherine Thackeray; Eibhlis Cahalane; Vanda Cummins; Edel Brennan; Leanne Ahern; Brendan Palmer; Tony Foley; Sheena McHugh; Aileen Murphy; Annlisa Setti; Emmy Racine; Éidín Ní Shé; Dawn Skelton
• Keywords: Acronym; Value (mathematics)

<ns4:p>Falls and fall-related injuries in older people are common, with negative effects on functional independence, social engagement quality of life. The estimated cost falls related Ireland, including primary, acute care costs, is projected to exceed €2 billion by 2030. COVID-19 pandemic led an increase frailty falls. Falls Management Exercise Programme (FaME) a 24-week community-based group home exercise programme qualified Postural Stability Instructors. It has been shown reduce falls, improve physical activity levels, function wellbeing. FaME was first introduced Ireland 2021, there 120 specialist instructors trained deliver FaME. We want find the best way get implemented effectively Ireland. How can we establish FaME, ensuring reach everyone who may fall, appropriately, support keep living their life after programme? Although much learned regarding implementation UK, it important consider Irish context, where systems cultures different. By learning from working at early adopter sites, using mapping, observation, gap analysis, surveys, interviews, focus groups workshops throughout, aligning our evaluation AFFINITY Project logic model Health Services Executive Change Guide will ‘Define, (co-)Design, Deliver Disseminate’ findings based equity reach, efficiency, appropriateness sustainability, suitable options programme, analysis for different scenarios delivery. Working closely PPI, Knowledge Users International Expert Group, Community Practice fit purpose Toolkit, synthesising future across Ireland.</ns4:p>