Translating falls prevention evidence into osteoarthritis care

There is growing evidence that people with osteoarthritis (OA) are at a higher risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Those with newly diagnosed hip or knee OA are 50% more likely to experience a fall, and over 80% more likely to have a fracture iin the 12 months following OA diagnosis. We know how to prevent falls in older people but clinicians (including physiotherapists) are not applying this knowledge to this population. Another problem is that people with OA (consumers) do not engage with fall prevention programs. Therefore, crucial knowledge about falls prevention is not seen as relevant (and thus not embedded into) the care of people with OA who are at a high risk of falls. This program of research focuses on changing the behaviour and perceptions of both clinicians and consumers about OA and falls so that clinicians will deliver care that reflects contemporary falls prevention evidence and consumers wil engage effectively with falls prevention program.