BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information surrounding assistive technology in general, but in particular, surrounding fall detectors and their use. This paper describes the results specifically pertaining to access to and provision of information regarding fall detectors which arose from a previous project exploring the use of fall detectors in the West Midlands.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a range of resources to help inform and support people at risk of falling, based upon the findings of a previous project which aimed to evaluate the use of fall detectors in the West Midlands.
METHODS: A combination of focus groups and user interviews were used to explore the successful and unsuccessful use of fall detectors across the West Midlands region in the UK. A range of resources were iteratively developed based upon the findings of these user interviews.
RESULTS: There was a lack of information for both the public and health and social care professionals with regards to the availability, advantages, disadvantages, indication and contra-indications of fall detectors, as well as lack of wider information regarding falls.
CONCLUSIONS: The project developed a range of information resources based upon the project findings, which have been so far well-received by the public and health and social care professionals. Further research must be conducted to ascertain full impact.
