Developing post-falls management principles for care homes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study uses a mixed-methods, sequential design to co-develop principles for post-falls management in older care home residents. It includes retrospective patient journey mapping, semi-structured interviews, and an online Delphi panel conducted at three time points to build consensus across health and social care organizations. The goal is to create a consistent approach and shared understanding for post-falls actions that involve residents, relatives, staff, and professionals. The work focuses on care homes in England, starting with Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and aims to map current processes and harmonize guidance.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Patient journey mapping:

* Resident living in a care home in Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire
* Aged 65 or over
* Has experienced a fall in the last six months
* Has not fallen within the last two weeks
* Is capable of providing written or verbal informed consent as assessed by the researcher in line with the Mental Capacity Act or has a diagnosis of dementia and has a personal or nominated consultee who can advise on the person's feelings and wishes

Interviews:

* Resident or relative of a resident taking part in the patient journey mapping
* Care home staff in England with experience of post falls management with older people in care homes
* Healthcare staff in England working in primary, community, emergency and acute settings with experience of post falls management with older people in care homes
* Ability to communicate verbally

Delphi:

* Care home staff in any role or healthcare staff in any role working in a primary, community, emergency and acute settings
* Work in a care home or healthcare setting in England
* Has any previous experience in supporting older people immediately after a fall in a care home as part of their role
* Aged 18 years or over

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient journey mapping:

* Outside of stated location
* Outside of stated age range
* No falls in the last six months
* Fallen within the last two weeks
* Unable to provide written or verbal informed consent and a personal or nominated consultee cannot be identified for residents with a diagnosis of dementia

Interviews:

* Residents or relatives who did not take part in the patient journey mapping
* Care home and healthcare staff outside of England
* Staff working outside of stated settings
* Care home and healthcare staff with no experience of post falls management with older people in care homes
* Residents who do not have mental capacity to provide informed consent (written or verbal) and do not have a personal consultee who can advise on the person's feelings or wishes.
* Unable to communicate verbally

Delphi:

* Care home and healthcare staff working outside of England
* Staff working outside of stated settings
* No experience in supporting older people immediately after a fall in a care home as part of their role
* Under 18 years of age

Where it's running

• Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
  Nottingham, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fran Hallam-Bowles
• Email: nuhnt.postfalls@nhs.net
• Phone: 07595284862

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.