A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Program to Prevent Falls Among Community-Dwelling Adults Living with Mental Illness Demonstrates Feasibility

We adapted the Stepping On fall prevention program, conducted a pilot feasibility trial and explored program acceptability. Using a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, participants from the Older People's Mental Health Service (OPMHS) Ryde, Sydney were randomly allocated to the adapted program or usual care. Trial participation data, self-reported falls and other fall-related outcomes were recorded. Aspects of program acceptability were recorded in fieldnotes and analyzed using content analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment was limited to 1 program only. Eighteen participants were screened, 11 were recruited and randomized (Stepping On n = 6, Usual Care n = 5), 8 returned falls calendars, while 7 provided other fall-related outcome data. Tailoring of the program was valued, however, exercise completion between program sessions was challenging. Evaluation of the adapted program for people living with mental illness using an RCT design demonstrated feasibility, and the program was acceptable to participants. A larger trial is needed to determine program effectiveness.Trial registration number: ACTRN12619001642178 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).