Development of a Self-Care Promotion Program among Older Adults for Managing Fall Risk Factors

Abstract

This research and development design study was conducted to develop a self-care promotion program for older persons to manage factors associated with fall risk based on Orem's nursing theory. The program also applied fall prevention concepts which focused on increasing the participants’ self-awareness about caring for themselves. A review of 16 empirical studies was used to develop the program based on the IOWA Model. The program development was divided into two stages: Phase 1, development of the program components and program quality assessment, and, Phase 2, evaluation of the program's viability. The program's quality was assessed with regard to program viability and content validity.

The program included a set of program user instructions, an activity plan, and activity media. The program media package included a fall risk factor management guidebook, a self-care record form, and a stretchable rubber ring.  Interventional activities included self-care behavior assessment, an educational session related to health issues in elders, and the demonstration of rubber ring stretching exercises to help the participants make decisions and set goals. Program implementation and evaluation included assessing self-care practices using the self-care record forms and weekly home visits. The program content was validated by three experts with all three experts concurring that the program was appropriate, accurate, and easily applicable. The feasibility of the program was assessed by five expert health promotion nurses who found that the program was easy and convenient to use. However, the program’s efficiency and effectiveness still require testing by further implementation in a quasi-experimental research project.