Motivational interviewing for fall prevention: Older adults’ experience

Abstract

Motivational interviewing (MI) can be used to promote older adults’ engagement in fall prevention. To examine this, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposively selected sample of ten older adults (age ≥65) at increased risk for falling who received MI for fall prevention. We used thematic analysis to analyze our qualitative interviews and compared the findings to quantitative changes in concerns about falling. All participants reported a positive study experience. MI raised participants’ awareness of fall prevention, which influenced how older adults engaged in fall prevention behaviors. We did not find clear alignment between the quantitative and qualitative reporting about concern about falling. MI had a positive impact on how older adults experience and engage in fall prevention behaviors. The relationship between awareness and concerns related to fall prevention needs to be explored.