PROFANE: Prevention of falls network Europe

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0312-2

Key words (English)

Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Social Aspects

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK6-CT-2002-02705

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.6 The ageing population and disabilities

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

PROFANE is a thematic network with 28 partners focusing on the issue of prevention of falls and improvement of postural stability amongst elderly people. It comprises 4 workpackages 1) taxonomy and co-ordination of trials 2) clinical assessment and management 3) assessment of balance function 4) psychological aspects of falling.

The aim is to bring together workers from around Europe to focus on a series of tasks required to develop multi-factorial prevention programmes aimed at reducing the incidence of falls and fractures amongst elderly people. The work of PROFANE is practical. It will advance the science but it will also aim to change health care procedures to introduce best practice widely across Europe. Each workpackage will undertake a series of workshops bringing together experts and observers around specific topics. The network will conduct two network meetings to synthesise work from packaqes and mount a website to disseminate information.

PROFANE focuses and co-ordinates ongoing European clinical, research and technology developments related to prevention of falls amongst elderly people. Scientists and clinicians from diverse fields work in 4 work-packages: Co-ordination and consultation of future fall prevention intervention trials, Clinical assessment and management, Assessment of balance function and prediction of falls, Psychological aspects of falling. The 4 work-packages are linked horizontally to permit synergy and achieve major progress in understanding. The collaboration will: bring together trialists, co-ordinate a taxonomy, identify a core data set, build capacity, develop practical clinical protocols, develop and cross validation balance assessments, understand psychological sequellae off alling and psychological mechanisms which facilitate prevention interventions and develop Quality of Life measures. And develop self test measures for older people. PROFANE will disseminate knowledge and skills widely.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0312-2