NIHR researcher wins early career prize for new falls prevention poster

Dr Jodi Venture, a Research Fellow at the University of Bradford and researcher with NIHR ARC Greater Manchester, received the award for her poster titled ‘Achieving inclusivity in evidence-based falls management exercise (FaME) programmes – A case study analysis of three underserved population groups’. 

The poster focused on the FaME programme – an evidence-based, tailored exercise programme designed to help adults aged 65 and over improve their strength and balance and reduce falls. 

The research findings concluded that for older adults from underserved groups, adaptions need to be made at both implementation and delivery stages to enhance engagement and participation in the FaME programme and thus, reduce the rate and risk of falls. 

Dr Venture said: “Winning the ECR poster presentation prize means a great deal to me as it demonstrates that even at an early career stage, my research has the ability to have a meaningful impact. 

“Our work shows that by working alongside older adults from underserved groups, barriers to accessing evidence-based fall prevention interviews can be removed and, therefore, falls reduced in this population.”

The awarding ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 21 at the UK Public Health Science Conference in Newcastle upon Tyne. 

The ECR Poster Prize is a prestigious academic award recognising outstanding poster presentations. It celebrates exceptional talent and creativity among the next generation of public health investigators in the UK and Ireland. 

In the coming weeks, an associated paper to the poster will be submitted, titled 'An exploration of inclusive falls management exercise (FaME) programme provision: A case study analysis with three community-based case studies'. 

The poster is available below: