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The Tasmanian electronic falls ascertainment tool—A pilot study
Objective: This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of using an electronic tool to ascertain falls and their circumstances (TASeFALL) in people aged over 60 years.
Methods: Forty participants (mean age: 69.3 ± 5.4 years, 55% women) were randomised to receive a monthly paper-based questionnaire (control group n = 19), compared with the same questionnaire sent via email with LimeSurvey software (TASeFALL n = 21). Falls and their circumstances were recorded prospectively over 12 months in all participants. The main outcomes were feasibility of enrolment, number of falls, adherence to completion of questionnaires and cost.
Results: The incidence, number of falls and adherence to the completion of the questionnaire over the 12-month follow-up were similar in both the TASeFALL and control groups. However, the monthly paper-based questionnaire approach was 45% more expensive.
Conclusions: The TASeFALL is a feasible and cost-effective method of falls ascertainment for older people with email access that could have a wide research uptake.
History
Publication title
Australasian Journal on AgeingPagination
1-6ISSN
1440-6381Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing AsiaPlace of publication
AustraliaRights statement
© 2021 AJA Inc.Repository Status
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