User Perceptions of Safety Flooring Measured Using Multiple Settings and Stakeholders: Fid-Bau Portal

User Perceptions of Safety Flooring Measured Using Multiple Settings and Stakeholders

Kalra, Mayank / Cleworth, Taylor W. / Killingbeck, Jaimie / Laing, Andrew C.

Successful implementation of fall-related injury prevention interventions such as safety flooring (SF) requires considering stakeholder feedback. This study investigated user perceptions of a SF product during initial prototype trialing and after implementation within an older adult retirement facility. Sixty participants observed the SF installed in a laboratory (Phase 1) or retirement suite (Phase 2) setting and completed a user experience questionnaire that gathered ratings and comments related to the SF’s effects on residents, employees, and novelty/attractiveness. The SF was positively perceived in both settings and participants supported SF as a valuable intervention that may mitigate fall injury severity, fear of falls, and fall-related disabilities, and improve quality of life. However, participants were uncertain about the SF’s potential effectiveness compared to other injury prevention strategies. Potential challenges included balance issues due to the ramped transitions at the suite entrances and increased acoustic levels on the SF. Participants indicated the disadvantages were limited in comparison to the potential for fall-related injury reduction. This study used a novel and iterative evaluation and engagement process as part of an intervention/implementation process. The findings reaffirm previous outcomes related to SF, while presenting some potential design and implementation issues that may assist in future intervention efforts.