Improving patient safety in emergency departments using a new tool

Multicenter Study of the Emergency Department Trigger Tool

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10674745

This study is testing a new tool that helps nurses spot potential safety issues for patients in emergency departments, using smart technology to make sure they catch problems quickly and accurately.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10674745 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new tool designed to enhance the detection of patient harm in emergency departments (EDs). It employs a two-tiered review process where trained nurses identify specific triggers in patient records that suggest potential adverse events. The study will assess the effectiveness of this tool across multiple EDs, utilizing advanced technologies like natural language processing and machine learning to improve its accuracy and efficiency. By analyzing a large number of patient admissions, the research aims to establish a reliable method for identifying and addressing patient safety issues in real-time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who are admitted to emergency departments and may be at risk for adverse events.

Not a fit: Patients who are not admitted to emergency departments or those who do not experience any adverse events may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve patient safety and reduce adverse events in emergency departments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar trigger tools have shown promising results in improving patient safety in various clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.