The utilization of geographic information systems to create a site selection strategy to disseminate an older adult fall prevention program

Public health programmatic interventions are increasingly required to address the prevention needs of aging populations. Falls in adults age 65 and older are the leading cause of injury hospitalization in the U.S., and a leading cause of international fatal injuries in older adults. This project used geographic information systems (GIS) to create a site selection strategy for the dissemination and pilot evaluation of a community-based fall prevention program for older adults in Pierce County, Washington. Potential site addresses (n = 84), 2000 U.S. census data for adults ≥65 years of age, and local road networks, which were converted into service areas using actual travel time, were entered in a GIS. Potential sites were then ranked by census densities of older adults who lived within 10 min travel time. Nine sites launched the program, with the goal recruiting 20 older adult program participants at each site (n = 180). At the end of 12 months, participation exceeded program goals (n = 331). GIS can be used to determine actual travel time, and may facilitate the selection of community-based prevention program sites to maximize accessibility and utilization by targeted populations.