Steady steps: walking aids and falls prevention with Alex Roberts
Apr 17, 2024
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Physiotherapist Alex Roberts discusses the importance of selecting the right walking aids for patients to prevent falls. They explore strategies for improving adherence, the prevalence of falls among different populations, and the potential of innovative solutions like magnetic walking aids to reduce falls risk.
Physiotherapists play a vital role in falls prevention by prescribing mobility aids for safe mobilization.
Adherence to walking aid prescriptions can be challenging, emphasizing the need for patient education and aid accessibility strategies.
Deep dives
Role of Physiotherapists in Falls Prevention
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in falls prevention by being primary prescribers of mobility aids. These aids facilitate safe mobilization for individuals who may struggle to move safely. Safer use of walking aids enables earlier discharge from hospitals, increases independence, reduces the risk of falls, and enhances patients' capacity for exercise interventions.
Challenges in Walking Aid Adherence
Despite the benefits of walking aids, adherence can be a challenge. Many patients do not adhere to prescribed walking aid usage, leading to difficulties in monitoring their use. Educating patients on the importance of adhering to walking aid prescriptions and ensuring accessibility of the aids are key strategies to improve adherence and prevent falls.
Innovative Solution: Magnetic Walking Aids
The development of magnetic walking aids presents a promising solution to improve walking aid accessibility and adherence. Through innovative designs that allow for easy attachment of walking aids in various environments, such aids aim to reduce the risk of falls by addressing issues such as dropping walking aids and increasing user compliance. Preliminary studies suggest that magnetic walking aids could be an effective and cost-efficient intervention in reducing falls and improving overall mobility.
In this episode with Alex Roberts, we explore the world of walking aid prescription, adherence, and falls prevention in physiotherapy. We examine the importance of selecting the right aids, strategies for improving adherence, and the prevalence of falls among different patient populations. Additionally, we discuss innovative solutions like magnetic walking aids and their potential to enhance adherence and reduce falls risk.
Alex Roberts studied at the University of Sydney has worked as a physiotherapist in the NHS in the UK and Westmead Hospital in Australia and has a passion for falls prevention.