Evaluating a tool for screening fall risks in older adults in emergency departments
Preventing Future Falls in Older Adult ED Patients: Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of a Novel Automated Screening and Referral Intervention - Patient Perspectives
University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05846685
This study is trying to see how older adults feel about a new tool that helps doctors identify their risk of falling when they visit the emergency department.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 174 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Rockford, Illinois and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05846685 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study assesses the implementation and patient perspectives of an automated falls-risk clinical decision support system in emergency departments. It involves interviewing older adult patients who have been referred to a falls clinic after being identified as high-risk for falls. The study aims to understand their experiences with the referral process, reasons for attending or not attending appointments, and the perceived value of the intervention. The research will be conducted across three emergency department sites, gathering qualitative data to improve the referral process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking older adults aged 65 and older who are identified as high-risk for falls in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients who are incarcerated, lack the capacity to consent, or are unable to communicate effectively via telephone may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the identification and management of fall risks in older adults, potentially reducing future falls and related injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar automated screening tools for fall risks, indicating potential for effective implementation in clinical settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ED patients identified by the automated system as being high-risk of future falls, and subsequently referred to the UW Health Mobility and Falls Clinic by the ED provider at discharge. * English-speaking * Reliable access to a working telephone and can accept incoming phone calls * For In-person interviews in the ED: * ED patients age 65 and older in the emergency department for any reason who are identified as likely to be discharged by their clinical team. Exclusion Criteria: * Incarcerated or in police custody * Lacks capacity to consent * Unable to hear or speak on the telephone, even with the use of assistive devices
Where this trial is running
Rockford, Illinois and 2 other locations
- Swedish American Emergency Department — Rockford, Illinois, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- The American Center Emergency Department — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- UWHC Emergency Department — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian W Patterson, MD, MPH — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Dann Hekman, MS
- Email: djhekman@medicine.wisc.edu
- Phone: 608.556.5127
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Falls-Risk, Machine Learning, Computer Decision Support, Human Factors Engineering, Qualitative Analysis