Preprint · Nov 9, 2025
Sustainable and Accessible Fall Prevention Medical Device for Aged Health: Research Protocol (Preprint)
By Mamede-Pereira DM, Eduardo EG, Inguane JH et al.
BACKGROUND Falls among older adults represent a persistent and significant public health issue, often resulting in hospitalization, severe injuries, and mobility impairment, thereby increasing the burden on healthcare systems and institutions. The consequences extend beyond individuals, affecting service delivery, workforce demands, and daily healthcare costs. In recent years, technological and medical device innovations have attracted growing attention for their potential to mitigate fall risk. Emerging medical devices and digital technologies offer innovative methods to assess and predict fall risk in real-time, forming the basis for preventive and personalized interventions for older adults. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research protocol is to explore, evaluate, and establish the foundation for Stage 1 of the Sustainable and Accessible Fall-Prevention Medical Device Technologies for Older Adults’ Health (S@FHe-RP). METHODS Specifically, this stage will: a) Conduct a scoping review to summarize the current landscape of digital medical devices for fall-risk prediction; b) Perform a systematic review comparing traditional and tech-adapted physical-functional tests; c) Gather end-user perspectives (professionals and staff in long-term care facilities) regarding the acceptability, feasibility, and desired functionalities of fall-prevention medical devices; d) Define assumptions for developing a predictive algorithm using bio-socio-demographic data from institutionalized older adults. RESULTS - CONCLUSIONS The S@FHe-RP will synthesize existing evidence, identify methodological and technological gaps, and integrate user-centered insights to guide the design of sustainable, effective, and accessible fall-prevention medical devices for older populations. CLINICALTRIAL