The purposes of this study were to develop a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based, Structured Hip Fracture Prevention Website (TSW) for older adults and conduct a preliminary evaluation of its effectiveness. The TSW is comprised of learning modules and a moderated discussion board. A total of 245 older adults recruited from two websites and a newspaper advertisement were randomized into the TSW and the Conventional Websites (CW) groups. Outcomes included (1) knowledge (hip fractures and osteoporosis), (2) self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and (3) calcium intake and exercise, and were assessed at baseline, end-of-treatment ([EOT], 2 weeks), and follow-up (3 months). Both groups showed significant improvement in most outcomes. For calcium intake, only the TSW group showed improvement. None of the group and time interactions were significant. The TSW group, however, was more satisfied with the intervention. The discussion board usage was significantly correlated with outcome gains. Despite several limitations, the findings showed some preliminary effectiveness of web-based health interventions for older adults and the use of a TSW as a sustainable web structure for online health behavior change interventions.

The Internet has revolutionized healthcare delivery. With the increasing number of online users and the advancement of eHealth technologies, many healthcare studies have been conducted online. However, online research is still a relatively new field, and many methodological issues still need to be investigated. Over the years, the authors have conducted studies on various aspects of online health intervention research, including development and usability testing of online health interventions, web surveys, and an online randomized controlled trial employing older adult online users. The purpose of this article was to describe lessons learned from conducting an online randomized controlled trial designed to improve older adults' health behaviors focusing on methodological issues and strategies to overcome them.

This article presents the redesign of an adult inpatient falls program using a computerized information system. Named the ADAPT Fall Tool, the tool provides an accurate assessment of the fall risk of each patient. Indicators are embedded into routine assessment documentation, eliminating added charting time. The program allows tailored interventions for specific patient risks, and the fall risk information is integrated into the care plan, report sheets, and care conferences, producing an interdisciplinary communication network.

Recently, the number of older adult online users has increased rapidly. In 2004, 22% of Americans aged 65 years or older (about 8 million) used the Internet, and 66% of them performed online searches for health information. The Web, therefore, can serve as a useful medium to educate older adults on selected health topics. In this study, the researchers developed four Web-based learning modules related to hip fracture prevention and tested the usability of these modules employing eight older adult online users. The findings from the usability tests demonstrated that the online learning modules were usable to the older adult participants. Additionally, these individuals could acquire health knowledge using these online modules. The important lessons learned through the research process will assist the researchers in conducting further studies in using health Web learning modules for older adults. A further study will be conducted to test the effects of these modules on preventing hip fractures.