Reducing fear of falling and avoidance of activity in elderly persons: The development of a Dutch version of an American intervention

ObjectiveThe present study reports on the development of a Dutch version of an American intervention for community-residing older persons in The Netherlands. Adaptation of this cognitive behavioural group intervention, to reduce fear of falling and avoidance of activity in older persons, was required before evaluation in a different setting.MethodsThe process of adaptation consisted of defining the target population, translating the original intervention manual literally, consulting Dutch experts and a developer of the original intervention, selecting qualified facilitators and conducting a pilot study of the adapted manual.ResultsAdaptations were incorporated to improve the content, feasibility and didactic materials. The main adaptations were scheduling more time for some activities, changing session frequency from twice to once a week, adding a booster session after 6 months and adding more transparencies.ConclusionA critical assessment of the appropriateness and feasibility of the original intervention provided important information to facilitate replication in the Dutch setting. Applying a systematic approach is recommended in the process of adapting an original intervention for use in a different setting.Practice implicationsTo facilitate replication, in general, more detailed information should be provided about interventions.