JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Falls are a major cause of injury, loss of independence, and mortality among older adults globally. E-counselling, delivered through digital or telehealth platforms, has emerged as a scalable approach to support fall prevention in this population.

Objective:

This scoping review aimed to map and examine current evidence on e-counselling interventions for fall prevention in adults aged 60 years and older.

Methods:

Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and ProQuest for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2019 and May 2025. Eligible studies reported on digital or telehealth counselling interventions targeting fall prevention. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and conducted a thematic synthesis. The methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results:

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized trials, feasibility studies, qualitative research, and retrospective cohorts conducted in Asia, North America, and Europe. Delivery modes included virtual reality, mobile apps, teleconsultations, and wearable-triggered feedback. Reported outcomes included reduced fall incidence (15%–90%), improved balance and mobility, increased awareness of fall risks, and enhanced self-efficacy. Tailored interventions with culturally relevant content and digital literacy support showed higher engagement. Most studies demonstrated acceptable methodological quality.

Conclusions:

E-counselling represents a promising strategy for fall prevention in older adults, showing benefits in both physical and behavioral domains. Further research should explore long-term effectiveness, broader population inclusion, and integration with health systems to enhance implementation and sustainability.