An innovative digital project to help people who fall or are at high risk of falling has secured funding for its second phase.
‘No Need To Fall’ is a new app being co-designed with people who have lived experience of falls and those who provide support and care.
The project is led by Dr Ana Talbot, Consultant in Medicine for Older Adults at University Hospital Monklands, in collaboration with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, HSCPs, the University of Strathclyde, Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre and six local and national voluntary sector charities.
The team will use Phase 2 of the project to roll out a new digital alarm receiving platform to early adopters in Scotland and they will also explore the opportunities around digital tools to helps responders in the event of a person having a fall.
Research from Phase 1 of the project found people who draw on support and care feel falls are an inevitable part of ageing, but also blame themselves when they occur.
They often avoid using technology that could help due to negative associations with ageing and may have lower levels of digital literacy.
The project seeks to address a number of these findings and provide digital solutions that are empowering, support relational aspects and prevent falls.
Project lead, Dr Ana Talbot, Consultant in Older Adult Medicine, NHS Lanarkshire, and West of Scotland Innovation Hub Clinical Fellow, said: “Moving into Phase 2 of this project allows us to more fully explore how we can address the needs of people who draw on support and care and those that provide it utilising the opportunities around digital tools.
“Addressing digital literacy and giving people the confidence to use this technology, which is now commonplace, is a very important part of how we approach support and care.
“I am delighted that we as a team are working with our partners to improve outcomes for people who have some of the highest risk of falls.”
The project is being supported by The Health Foundation.
Visit the West of Scotland innovation Hub website for more information on healthcare innovation.
