Helping older adults avoid future falls after emergency department visits
Official title: Preventing Future Falls in Older Adult ED Patients: Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of a Novel Automated Screening and Referral Intervention
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10914042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new system that helps identify older adults who might be at risk of falling after they leave the emergency room, making sure they get the right support to stay safe without putting extra work on doctors and nurses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $343,664 |
| NIH project number | 5R18HS027735-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have recently visited the emergency department due to a fall or fall-related injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those who have not experienced falls may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new automated system designed to identify older adults at risk of falling after they visit the emergency department (ED). The system uses existing patient data to screen for fall risk and connects patients to appropriate prevention services without adding extra work for healthcare providers. By implementing this intervention, the goal is to ensure that older adults receive the necessary support to reduce their risk of future falls after being treated in the ED.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among older adults, improving their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using automated systems for patient screening and referral, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patterson, Brian W — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Patterson, Brian W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
Researchers at Mayo Clinic will study why people over 65 fall, by looking at how brain and body systems work together during walking and thinking tasks.
-
Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
-
Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
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In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
A home-based program using stroboscopic eyewear to help older adults improve balance and reduce their risk of falls.
-
Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults
This study looks at how nocturnal low oxygen during sleep relates to falls and bone fractures in men and women aged 50 and older.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.