Using telehealth to prevent falls in older adults visiting the emergency department
Official title: e-GAPcare: Expanding the Reach of a Fall Prevention Intervention for Older Adult Emergency Department Patients through Telehealth
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11035757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help older adults avoid falls by using telehealth, so they can get advice from pharmacists and physical therapists right from home, especially if they live in smaller towns where these services are hard to find.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091218-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced falls or are at risk of falling and seek care in emergency departments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those who do not have a history of falls may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to expand a successful fall prevention program for older adults by using telehealth technology. The program, known as GAPcare, has shown promising results in reducing fall-related emergency department visits. By adapting this intervention for telehealth, the researchers hope to provide necessary consultations from pharmacists and physical therapists to older patients who may not have access to these services in smaller or rural emergency departments. The study will assess the feasibility of implementing this telehealth approach in a community emergency department setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of fall-related emergency department visits among older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully implemented telehealth for specialist evaluations in emergency departments, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Elizabeth — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Smartphone coaching to prevent falls after stroke and train researchers
A smartphone-based coaching tool is being developed to help stroke survivors move more safely and reduce fall risk, with training opportunities for students at a major technical university.
-
STEADI-based Fall Prevention in Assisted Living Facilities
A plan to test a step-by-step fall-prevention program in eight assisted living facilities to see if it reduces falls, how well it works in real settings, and whether it makes economic sense.
-
Using a Conversational AI to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls at Home
A small, practical project uses a chat-based AI coach to help people 65 and older follow proven steps to prevent falls, including those with mild cognitive impairment.
-
Modular Balance Walkway to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
A team is building a modular, clinic-friendly walkway that simulates real-world slipping and tripping to help older adults stay steady and safe.
-
Targets for fall-prevention rehab in people living with Parkinson’s
A study to help people with Parkinson’s reduce falls by improving physical therapy that focuses on balance and stepping in daily life.
-
AI conversational coach to deliver STEADI fall-prevention for older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
An easy-to-use virtual coach will guide older adults, including those with mild memory problems, through the CDC's STEADI fall-prevention steps to help reduce falls and keep people safer at home.
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.