Emily’s Award-Winning Presentation at BASES BIG Conference 2023
Congratulations to ARC NWC PhD student, Emily Wharton for winning the Best Short Oral Presentation at the BASES BIG Conference 2023. Emily’s research on “Environmental Risk Factors for Home Stair Falls among Older Adults: Perceptions vs Actuality” was recognised for its significance in addressing a critical public health issue.
Falls on domestic staircases in the United Kingdom (UK) lead to a staggering number of deaths and injuries each year. Emily’s study focused on understanding older adults’ perceptions of the safety standards of their staircases and how these perceptions aligned with the actual risk factors. The aim was to identify interventions that could modify stair fall risks and prevent accidents.
Through an online survey and subsequent home stair assessments, Emily gathered valuable data from 164 UK residents aged 50 years and above. The study revealed intriguing findings. Despite some participants perceiving their stairs as safe, measurements showed that a significant proportion of staircases did not meet government safety guidelines. This indicated a disconnect between perception and reality. Additionally, behavioural factors such as leaving items on the stairs and not using handrails were found to influence stair safety.
Emily’s research emphasises the need for targeted interventions to improve behaviour and promote safer stair use. By raising awareness and bridging the gap between perceptions and reality, Emily’s work has the potential to enhance stair safety, prevent falls, and improve the quality of life for older adults.
Emily says ”I want to express my sincere gratitude for the Best Short Oral Presentation award. Receiving this recognition for my research on environmental risk factors for home stair falls among older adults brings me immense joy and motivates me to continue working towards improving their safety and well-being.
I would like to express my appreciation to the conference organisers for providing a platform to share my research and engage with fellow researchers in the field of public health. The BASES BIG Conference has been an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from others, and inspire future collaborations.
I am also grateful to my research team and public advisors who have supported and guided me throughout this journey. Their expertise and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping the study and its findings. Additionally, I extend my thanks to the participants who generously shared their experiences and insights, making this research possible.”
