Evaluation of the UCLA Next Day Clinic for low-acuity conditions
Quasi-Randomized Evaluation of the UCLA Next Day Clinic (NDC)
NA · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06526884
This study is testing if sending patients with minor health issues from the emergency room to a special clinic the next day can improve their care and reduce hospital stays.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1080 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06526884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The UCLA Next Day Clinic (NDC) is a quality improvement initiative aimed at enhancing patient care and safety while maximizing cost-effectiveness. It identifies patients in the emergency department (ED) who are at risk of avoidable hospitalization for low-acuity conditions and diverts them to a specialized clinic the following day. This approach not only helps alleviate overcrowding in the ED but also ensures that patients receive appropriate care in a timely manner. The program is supported by UCLA's Healthcare Value Analytics and Solutions group, which will evaluate its effectiveness and inform future operations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are about to be admitted to the ED for specific low-acuity conditions and meet certain clinical criteria.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with complex medical conditions, such as heart or lung transplant recipients, pregnant individuals, or those with active malignant cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly reduce avoidable hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes for those with low-acuity conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar hospital avoidance models, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * About to be admitted through the ED for one of the NDC diagnoses or a synonym (per Study Protocol document), defined by the presence of a Plan to Admit order or Bed Request order, OR recently admitted under observation or inpatient status for one of the NDC diagnoses. * Identified as at-risk for an avoidable hospitalization in the ED based on a pre-determined set of lab and vital parameters. * Insurance that authorizes the patient to follow-up at UCLA Health, or self-pay * Admitted or being admitted to an internal medicine service Exclusion Criteria: * Heart or lung transplant recipient with concern for graft dysfunction * Pregnant * Enrolled in hospice * Resides in or discharged to a skilled nursing facility/acute rehabilitation facility * Admitted to a critical care service * ED deems discharge unsafe due to complex social or medical factors * Active malignant cancer (per Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists value set) * Pulmonary arterial hypertension (per Joint Commission value set) * Undergoing workup for solid organ transplant * Interstitial lung disease (including pulmonary fibrosis) (per Higher Level 7 value set) * Requiring inpatient procedure or surgery defined by the presence of an anesthesia event or operating room encounter. * The ED deems discharge unsafe due to complex social or medical factors. * Transferred to an ineligible hospital Note: The Health System plans to limit the volume of referrals to the NDC by only referring patients who have an even birth date (this is more equitable than first-come-first-serve, because wage workers are more likely to come to the ED later in the day; even/odd birth date theoretically keeps more spots open for patients presenting to the ED later).
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Danielle Seiden, MPP
- Email: dseiden@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-267-5147
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.
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