STEP In Colorado / Scaling Trusted Evidence-based Prevention In Colorado: Taking the Next STEP Toward Safer Aging - The University of Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, will implement, evaluate, and sustain a statewide coordinated fall prevention system over the course of this four-year project. Building on our existing infrastructure including the Colorado Falls Coalition, the initiative aims to improve the delivery and accessibility of fall prevention services for individuals across all age groups and geographic regions in Colorado. The objectives are to use established dissemination and implementation science-informed methods based on designing for dissemination and sustainability principles and frameworks to: 1) strengthen statewide fall prevention adoption, implementation, and sustainability infrastructure; 2) improve identification of at-risk Coloradoans and facilitate timely referral to fall preventions services; 3) streamline access to fall prevention services; and 4) to increase accessibility of fall prevention services. Anticipated outcomes include: 1) individuals of all ages and in all regions in Colorado will have a reduction in falls requiring acute care services and improved relevant secondary clinical outcomes (fall-related injuries, fear of falling, functional impairment (ADLs), and social isolation; 2) hospitals will systematically notify patients of their fall risk and refer at-risk individuals to community-based fall prevention programs; 3) individuals will have streamlined access to information and satisfaction with fall prevention services; 4) sustainability plans will be developed to ensure both program delivery and referral systems are maintained long-term. The key deliverables are marketing and outreach materials for community members, clinical staff training to enhance referral of at-risk populations, program leader training, an analysis of statewide fall prevention program uptake and impact, and a sustainability report to facilitate long-term accessibility to fall prevention services.
