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Fall Risk Identification and Management for Older Veterans

Development of a Fall Risk Identification and Management Model for Older Veterans

Who can join

Ages 65 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Receives care within GeriPACT, or general PACT as needed (Aim 1); Receives care within general PACT (standard VHA primary care) (Aim 2)
* Screens positive for increased fall risk (answers "yes" to any of 3 screening questions)
* Positive screen on at least two fall risk factor assessments (Aim 1); Positive screen on at least one fall risk factor assessment (Aim 2)
* Access to telehealth
* Availability of an additional adult (e.g., caregiver or family member) to be present during the physical assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Life expectancy \<12 months, as determined by PCP
* Neurological diagnosis (e.g., cerebral vascular accident, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
* Moderate cognitive impairment (\<13 on telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BLIND) or \<18 on MoCA Full administered during clinic visit in the previous 3 months)
* Unstable condition that precludes safe participation in structured exercise (e.g., recent deep vein thrombosis) if expected fall risk factor is physical, as determined by PCP or chart review
* Participation in any intervention components of the FRIM model, with the intention of reducing a FRIM fall risk factor, within the past 2 months
* Currently using a wheelchair for mobilization
* If it is in the opinion of the study staff that the participant would be at an increased suicide risk due to study procedures

About the study

Falls are a common occurrence among older adults, and Veterans have an even higher risk of falling compared to non-Veterans. These falls often lead to severe health consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize fall prevention in order to reduce injuries and enable older Veterans to age comfortably at home. Although current fall prevention programs in the Veterans Health Administration primarily focus on inpatient care and nursing homes, there is a pressing need to address falls among older Veterans living independently in the community. The proposed VA-specific Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) model aims to proactively prevent falls in older Veterans who receive primary care, effectively reducing the occurrence of adverse health events associated with falls. By placing emphasis on prevention rather than reacting after falls have already happened, this initiative seeks to significantly enhance the overall well-being of older Veterans.

What is being tested

• Strengthening (Physical Therapy, Gerofit) (other)
• Medication Reconciliation (Clinical Pharmacology) (other)
• Home Safety Modification (Occupational Therapy) (other)

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 108 · Started: Feb 4, 2025

Contact the study team

• Alexander J Garbin, PhD DPT · Phone: (563) 340-7121
• Jennifer E Stevens-Lapsley, PhD · Phone: (303) 949-9304

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06573983

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.