Improving care in long-term facilities to reduce hospital transfers
Sustainable Improvement of INTERprofessional Care for Better Resident Outcomes: SCAling up an Evidence-based Care Model for Nursing Homes (INTERSCALE)
This study is testing a new nursing care approach in long-term care facilities to see if it can help reduce unexpected hospital visits for residents.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT06473051 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The INTERSCALE project aims to implement the INTERCARE model, a nurse-led care approach designed to reduce unplanned hospitalizations in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Switzerland. This model emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and the role of trained nurses to enhance decision-making and care planning for residents. The study will assess the effectiveness and scalability of this model across various LTCFs, focusing on sustainable implementation strategies. By evaluating the core components of the INTERCARE model, the research seeks to provide a cost-effective solution for improving resident outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are long-term care facilities located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland with at least 20 beds.
Not a fit: Patients in long-term care facilities located in the Italian- or French-speaking parts of Switzerland may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce unplanned hospitalizations for residents in long-term care facilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar nurse-led care models in reducing hospital transfers, indicating a promising approach for this intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study inclusion/exclusion criteria are based on level of participant: 1. LTCF Inclusion criteria: - Located within German-speaking part of Switzerland - ≥ 20 long-term care beds on the cantonal list of LTCFs (or a cooperation of smaller LTCFs with a total of at least 20 long-term care beds, working with the same INTERCARE nurse(s)) - Willingness to introduce the core components of INTERCARE (formal commitment) - Willingness to provide routine resident assessment data (Resident Assessment Instrument-nursing home version (RAI-NH) or BESA system) Exclusion criteria: - LTCFs located in the Italian- or French-speaking part of Switzerland. - LTCFs who have previously worked with a nurse-led model similar to the INTERCARE/INTERSCALE research intervention 2. INTERCARE nurse Inclusion criteria: - Working contract or affiliation with the LTCF - Educational background as an RN with ≥ 3 years' experience working with older persons - Assigned role of INTERCARE nurse Exclusion criteria: - No contract with the LTCF 3. Other care staff Inclusion criteria: * All care staff who work directly with residents (e.g., care workers, physiotherapists and activity staff) of different educational backgrounds (e.g., RNs, LPNs, nurse aides) working in the LTCF at least 8h/week for ≥ 3 months * Other therapeutic personnel involved in 8h/week or more in treatments/direct contact with residents Exclusion criteria: - Non-health care professionals (e.g., administration) 4. General Practitioners (GPs) Inclusion criteria: * All GP's who treat at least 5 residents in the LTCF at the time of data collection Exclusion criteria: - Temporary substitute GPs 5. Residents Inclusion criteria: - All residents present at the LTCF during the study duration with long-term care and billed according to the health insurance law Exclusion criteria: - Residents who opt out of participating in the study
Where this trial is running
Basel
- Institute of Nursing Science — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Siqeca Flaka, PhD
- Email: flakasiqeca@gmail.com
- Phone: +41779606602
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.