Advanced Practice Nurses for Fall Incidence PrevenTion in Robust Very Old Adults: Protocol for the APN-FIT Hybrid Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) led fall prevention program compared to standard care in non-frail adults aged 80 and above. This pragmatic, open-label, randomized trial is conducted in multiple primary care centers in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The study aims to improve fall prevention and assess implementation outcomes by including a full geriatric assessment for all participants and offering voluntary physical activity programs. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive follow-up care by an APN along with their general practitioner or to continue with usual care. The APN group receives scheduled follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after enrollment, with personalized recommendations and coordination with other healthcare providers. Both groups receive comprehensive geriatric assessments at the start and after 12 months, and all participants are invited to participate in a home-based physical activity program consisting of 14 sessions over 7 weeks. During the study, falls are recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. Researchers will evaluate outcomes including the number of falls, independence levels, healthcare utilization, frailty, cognitive and mental health, nutritional status, and quality of life. Data collection is done by research staff using blinded methods. An ancillary study investigates the program's implementation factors by conducting interviews and observations with patients and healthcare providers. The total participation duration is 12 months with regular assessments and follow-ups.

Advanced Practice Nurses for Fall Incidence PrevenTion in Very Old Robust Adults