What this means
Researchers asked experts from many countries to agree on what fall-related psychological harm means. Most agreed on one definition, which may help future studies measure it the same way.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- 99 experts from 24 countries
- Kind of research
- A study
The science
- Original title
- Consensus definition of fall-related psychological harm: findings from an international e-Delphi study.
- Authors
- Okrah AK, Skelton DA, Ellmers TJ et al.
- Journal
- Age and ageing
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Study type
- Study · in humans
- PMID
- 42878245 ↗
Abstract
Background
Falls can cause substantial psychological consequences in older adults beyond physical injury, yet no definition of fall-related psychological harm (FPH) exists. This gap limits consistent identification and intervention development. This e-Delphi study aimed to establish an international consensus definition of FPH.
What they did
A five-round modified e-Delphi study engaging an international panel of clinicians and researchers was conducted. Round 1 (n = 30; 15 countries, five continents) explored the need for a definition and its potential components; content and thematic analysis identified key concepts that informed item development for subsequent rounds. Round 2 expanded participation to 99 experts (24 countries, six continents). Rounds 2-5 involved iterative rating and refinement of definition elements and wording. Consensus was set a priori as ≥70% agreement.
What they found
In Round 1, 93% (28/30) agreed that a formal definition of FPH is needed. The definition reached consensus in Round 4 (n = 48, 77.4%), and minor wording refinements in Round 5 confirmed stability of agreement (n = 49, 86.0%). Two applicability criteria (an actual fall [n = 62, 98%] or a near-fall [n = 52, 83%]), and two examples (concerns about falling [n = 88, 89%] and activity restriction/avoidance [n = 81, 82%]) reached consensus. The consensus definition for FPH was: 'Fall-related psychological harm refers to emotional (e.g., increased concern about falling), behavioural (e.g., activity restriction/avoidance), and/or broader mental health consequences that immediately arise and/or develop over time following a fall or near-fall'. This international Delphi study established a definition of fall-related psychological harm, supporting standardised assessment and future work to develop targeted interventions.
The authors' abstract, grouped under plain headings from its own section labels.
Okrah AK, Skelton DA, Ellmers TJ et al. Consensus definition of fall-related psychological harm: findings from an international e-Delphi study. Age and ageing. 2026. doi:10.1093/ageing/afag299. PMID: 42878245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42878245/