Project 3

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a strength and balance training intervention.

Project Goals - What are we doing?

We are carrying out a randomized control trail (RCT) of a novel fall prevention clinic service aimed at preventing future falls in those aged 70+ years who present to the Emergency Department with a fall. This study will then apply a previously developed PalmOS cost assessment tool and a fully allocated cost model developed by collaborator, Dr. Carlo Marra.

Research Outcomes - What will be achieved?

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has identified (1) health services and policy relating to older people and (2) aging and maintenance of functional autonomy as key priority areas for research. This study, testing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a health service intervention, as well as, preventing falls that can lead to loss of independence, addresses both of these priorities. This study will provide the pilot data required for a future application to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, randomized control trail panel for a large scale study to test novel fall-prevention intervention delivered via a dedicated falls clinic service.

Background - Why is this research important?

Falls are a major health problem in aging societies across the globe. Development of health services and policies that address the health of older Canadians is a key national priority. Randomized clinical trials studies are required for development of evidence-based health services and policies. The VCH Falls Clinic is unique in Canada and evaluation of the impact of this intervention will help to support its further development and broader dissemination thus helping to prevent falls in the at-risk elderly.

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Project Team

Principal Investigator:

Pierre Guy, MD, FRCSC
Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopaedics UBC
Centre for Hip Health

Contact Information:

370-2647 Willow Street
Willow Chest Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3P1

Funding Support:

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) -
In it for Life Research Grant