Evaluating the needs of older adults recovering from critical illness

Evaluating the Unmet Needs of Older Adults to Promote Functional Recovery After a Critical Illness

Observational Yale University · NCT06006000

This study looks at the needs of older adults who have been in the ICU to see how their challenges after going home affect their recovery and what can help them do better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment650 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT06006000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on older adults aged 65 and above who have been hospitalized in an ICU for at least two days. It aims to identify their unmet needs upon returning home or to short-term rehabilitation after discharge. The study will assess how these unmet needs relate to functional recovery and disability over the following six months, while also exploring barriers and facilitators to addressing these needs. The findings will help inform future interventions aimed at improving outcomes for older ICU survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and above who have survived an ICU admission of two days or more.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced dementia, severe neurologic injuries, or those discharged to locations other than home or short-term rehab may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved functional recovery and quality of life for older adults after critical illness.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on identifying unmet needs, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for older adults after critical illness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

PARTICIPANTS

* Age ≥ 65 years
* Survived an ICU admission of ≥2 days

CAREGIVERS

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Identified as caregiver of LANTERN participant who is an informal (unpaid) caregiver.

Exclusion Criteria:

PARTICIPANTS

* Advance directive of comfort measures only (CMO) or a transition to hospice
* Planned discharge to a location other than home or Short-Term Rehab
* Tracheostomy with ventilator dependence
* Severe acute or prior neurologic injury (such as anoxic brain injury or acute, massive stroke)
* Advanced dementia
* ICU admission for monitoring only (e.g., antibiotic desensitization)
* Primary language other than English.
* Homelessness
* Active drug or alcohol use disorder.

CAREGIVERS

* Primary language other than English
* Is a paid caregiver
* Unwilling to complete a qualitative interview

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessIllness, CriticalGeriatricsOlder Adults
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.