Improving care for older patients in hospitals using simulation modeling
Providing Safe Care to Older Hospitalized Patients through Discrete Event Simulation Modeling
This study is looking at how to make hospital care better for older patients who need help with everyday activities, like walking and using the bathroom, by figuring out the best ways to organize staff and routines to keep them safe and prevent falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10630149 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the care provided to older hospitalized patients who often require assistance with daily activities like walking and toileting. By utilizing Discrete Event Simulation (DES), the study aims to model hospital workflows and identify ways to improve the consistency of assistance provided to these patients. The approach involves analyzing various staffing scenarios and care routines to predict how changes can lead to better patient outcomes, particularly in preventing falls. The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient care environment that ensures older patients receive the support they need in a timely manner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are hospitalized and require assistance with activities of daily living.
Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or do not require assistance with daily activities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among older hospitalized patients, leading to safer hospital stays.
How similar studies have performed: Previous applications of Discrete Event Simulation in healthcare have shown promise in improving care delivery and patient outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmons, Sandra F — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Simmons, Sandra F
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 below.