“Co-Design” An Innovative Research Approach for Developing Fall Prevention Policies for the Elderly in Thailand
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Abstract
The objectives of this article are to formulate the preventive strategies for falls and accidents of the elderly at the primary prevention stage based on risk factors, with a participatory co-design research process. The study was conducted across five provinces namely Phayao, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, and Bangkok, where purposive sampling was utilized for the participants (159 individuals combined consisting of practitioners, academics, community representatives, and others). The data collection tools consisted of brainstorming charts and future wheels, while the data analysis was carried out through content analysis and descriptive narration.
Based on the research findings, the preventive strategies for falls and accidents of the elderly developed with a community-based group process includes a total of 7 approaches as follows: 1) Prepare for the elderly, 2) Provide education for the elderly, 3) Provide activities for the elderly, 4) Provide health screening for the elderly, 5) Provide care for the elderly, 6) Modify the home for the elderly, and 7) Support prevision of preventive equipment of falls. These studies results specify if concerned agencies, partners in network, and public give emphasis and work together implementing these 7 strategies, it will have a systematic influence for the individuals, community and society levels.
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