Creating arenas for collaborative learning to implement a fall prevention program across organizational boundaries

This collaborative project emphasizes the importance of effective cooperation and collaboration among various stakeholders to address the challenge of preventing fall accidents among the elderly.

The project is a collaboration between researchers at Stockholm University and the R&D unit in Sörmland, healthcare and elderly care providers in nine municipalities, the Sörmland region, and pensioner associations (SKPF, RPG, SPF, and PRO).The primary goal is to expand and enhance the R&D unit´s work on developing a web-based fall prevention program based on global guidelines.

A key objective is to create regional fall prevention guidelines for both professional and civil society settings.

Due to resource limitations, the project seeks funding to establish sustainable collaboration among stakeholders, enabling assessment at both regional and national levels, with interest from the National Board of Health and Welfare.The project is motivated by the Knowing-Doing Gap and the challenge of translating knowledge into action, especially in social services.

Factors such as limited relevant research, uncertainty about evidence, and complex application contribute to this gap.

The project acknowledges the complexity of social welfare and the need for improved collaboration, as highlighted by government inquiries.

It underscores the transition to a knowledge-based, preventive social services system, involving various stakeholders.The severity of fall accidents among the elderly is a pressing concern.

The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare reports a significant number of lives lost annually, resulting in substantial costs.

Fall accidents have long-lasting consequences, leading to a decline in health, reduced quality of life, loss of independence, increased caregiving needs, and even relocation to specialized housing.

The inability to remain at home is a significant outcome of fall accidents, leading to additional costs.The project is built on the concept of collaborative learning, where researchers, practitioners, and pensioner association representatives work together and learn from each other.

It aligns with political commitments to interorganizational collaboration as indicated by the Nära vård inquiry, the Framtidens socialtjänst investigation, and the forthcoming Social Services Act.

By pooling efforts and expertise, the project aims to make a significant impact in preventing fall accidents and improving the well-being of the elderly population.