Research Article  |   December 2017
Feasibility Trial of Tailored Home Modifications: Process Outcomes
Susan Stark; Emily Somerville; Jane Conte; Marian Keglovits; Yi-Ling Hu; Christopher Carpenter; Holly Hollingsworth; Yan Yan
Author Affiliations
  • Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Neurology, and Social Work, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; sstark@wustl.edu
  • Emily Somerville, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Jane Conte, MEd, is Clinical Research Coordinator, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Marian Keglovits, MSCI/OTD, is Occupational Therapist, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Yi-Ling Hu, MSOT, is Rehabilitation and Participation Science Student, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Christopher Carpenter, MD, MSc, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Holly Hollingsworth, PhD, is Research Assistant Professor, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • Yan Yan, MD, PhD, is Professor of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Article Information
Geriatrics/Productive Aging / Home Accessibility/Environmental Modification / Research Articles
Research Article   |   December 2017
Feasibility Trial of Tailored Home Modifications: Process Outcomes
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, December 2017, Vol. 72, 7201205020p1-7201205020p10. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.021774
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, December 2017, Vol. 72, 7201205020p1-7201205020p10. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.021774
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation to examine the implementation of a randomized controlled trial of home modifications designed to reduce the risk of falls and improve daily activity performance among community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD. A process evaluation was conducted alongside a blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial (n = 92). Participants were followed for 1 yr after intervention. The process evaluation was framed using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework.

RESULTS. The treatment group improved daily activity performance over 12 mo compared with the sham control group (F = 4.13; p = .024). The intervention elements and dose were delivered with greater than 90% accuracy. Participants reported a 91% adherence rate at 12 mo.

CONCLUSION. The complex intervention of home modifications examined in this study is acceptable to older adults, is feasible, and can be delivered with high fidelity for frail, community-dwelling older adults.