Patient Education

What?

Effective patient education helps patients understand and act on information to reduce their risk of falls. Rather than simply providing information, clinicians work with patients to ensure recommendations are understood, relevant, and realistic to implement. Successful fall prevention education is patient-centered, easy to understand, focused on a few key actions, and reinforced over time to support lasting behavior changes.

Why?

Effective patient education is more than providing information. It helps older adults understand, remember, and act on fall prevention recommendations that support safe and independent living. Many older adults face barriers that can affect understanding and follow-through, including vision, hearing, or memory changes, health literacy challenges, fear of losing independence, limited caregiver support, and information overload during healthcare visits. Helping patients understand why recommendations matter and how to apply them in their daily lives can improve adherence and support fall risk reduction.

How?

Using the SAFE mnemonic supports effective patient education: Simple by using plain language and limiting information to one or two key messages; Actionable by providing clear, realistic next steps; Focused on Patient Goals by linking recommendations to what matters most to the individual, such as safety, mobility, and independence; and Evaluated Through Teach-Back by asking patients to explain information in their own words. Additional strategies include using written and visual materials, involving family or care partners, and reinforcing education during follow-up visits.