Table 2 Strategies for integrating fall prevention into routine practice

Ask every client about falls

“Every patient we consider it ... it’s a standard question we ask everyone whether they come in for neck pain, shoulder pain or if they’ve had a hip replacement, we ask everyone their falls history.” (Private physiotherapist, ID11)

Be alert to falls as a common issue relevant to many clients

“I’d say about half of them have been admitted because of a fall ... usually they’ve had an injury ... they’ve had a long hospital stay and they’re deconditioned and their mobility is reduced and they don’t have the confidence now ... so everyday I’m probably addressing falls in some kind of way in the community.” (Public AHP, ID8)

Have processes in place for assessing clients for risk of falls

“Some of them specifically come in for the [fall prevention] program, but others will come in with ... say a musculoskeletal impairment and then during assessment I will identify that there is also a balance component in it or a risk of falls because of other components that they’ve got.” (Private physiotherapist, ID10)

Have structured programs in place for working with clients on fall prevention

“… this is a simple exercise program ... we might not use every exercise with every patient but we’re aiming for them to do the whole program.” (Private podiatrist, ID5)