Development and initial validation of a multidimensional falls efficacy scale

Falls are a major concern among older adults. Falls efficacy, underpinned by Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy, is an important aspect to be addressed in falls rehabilitation so that a person’s agency to overcome falls can be optimised. The purpose of this study was to develop a multidimensional falls efficacy scale to be used in practice. MdFES is a novel measurement instrument that assesses individuals’ perceived ability to prevent and manage falls. The scale examines falls efficacy as a multidimensional construct that incorporates balance confidence, balance recovery confidence, safe-falling confidence, and post-fall recovery confidence. The evidence of its psychometric properties encourages clinicians to use the MdFES in clinical practice.