Student’s research on digital health for fall prevention is awarded ACC scholarship

Adrian Pretorius, a passionate physiotherapist and Master of Public Health (MPH) student at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, has been selected as one of four recipients of a newly established scholarship funded by Universities New Zealand Te Pōkai Tara and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). This prestigious scholarship will help support Mr Pretorius’ research into fall prevention, an area closely aligned with ACC’s key research priorities.

Mr Pretorius’ research focuses on improving fall prevention through digital health interventions, drawing on both his personal experience and professional background. Falls represent a significant health risk for older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand, often resulting in serious injuries, long-term disability, or even death. Mr Pretorius is committed to finding real-world solutions that can help prevent these outcomes.

The motivation for tackling the issue of falls in older adults stems from a deeply personal experience.

“I had a grandmother who was an active, integral part of our family. After she fell and fractured her hip, her health deteriorated rapidly and she passed away soon after.

“As a physiotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that falls can have on older adults. This experience ignited my passion to make a difference in an area that is largely preventable.”

With a background in physiotherapy and biomedical science, Mr Pretorius had always been interested in public health, but ultimately it was his personal connection to fall prevention that led him to pursue an MPH.

Senior Lecturer in Public Health Dr Linda Murray says that the MPH is designed to combine applied research with practical experience, a combination that makes it ideal for students like Mr Pretorius who aim to improve population health outcomes.

“The MPH is the only qualification in New Zealand validated internationally by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). This makes it an ideal fit for students aspiring to improve population health outcomes and effect change.

“Adrian has been an exceptional student throughout his study, and we look forward to seeing how his research into fall prevention can positively impact the wider community,” Dr Murray says.

The use of digital health solutions is becoming increasingly widespread, offering the potential to improve health outcomes by meeting people where they are, often in the comfort of their own homes.

However, Mr Pretorius points out that even the best app or intervention is useless if people don’t use it. In order to create a tool that’s fit for purpose, It’s important to understand the needs of older adults from their perspective, a design factor that is often overlooked.

His research will focus on identifying the specific needs, preferences and experiences of older adults when using apps for fall prevention. By identifying these factors, he hopes to contribute to the development of more user-friendly and effective interventions.

“We don’t yet know enough about the experiences of the people who use these apps. My goal is to understand these experiences to improve app design, usability and, most importantly, adherence.

“The findings from my research can inform the design of digital health tools that are both effective and user-friendly. We need to ensure that these interventions are accessible, appropriate and truly meet the needs of the people who will benefit from them.”

As the field of digital health is still evolving, Mr Pretorius’ research is part of a growing effort to ensure these tools are making a tangible difference in fall prevention. His research goes beyond simply understanding the mechanics of falls; it’s about creating digital health interventions that are not only effective but also accessible to older adults, particularly through the use of technology to promote strength and balance.

“While digital solutions are being used in practice, we don’t have enough evidence on how well they work or why some are successful. We need more insights to ensure these interventions are truly effective,” he says.

Mr Pretorius currently works in injury prevention and says it’s rewarding to see his research applied in real-world settings.

“I’ve been part of teams that have implemented real-life interventions like strength and balance classes for older adults. Seeing these interventions make a real impact is something I’m very proud of.”

Outside of his academic and professional commitments, Mr Pretorius is also a proud husband and father. He balances his studies with family life, including a five-year-old daughter, Violet, and a six-month-old son, Preston.

“It’s definitely been a balancing act between family, work and study, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

“Even though I’ve studied remotely, I’ve been able to connect with fellow students and the flexibility of Massey’s online options has worked well with my busy schedule.”