Improving care transitions after colorectal surgery for older adults
Optimization of Care and Recovery in Older Colorectal Surgery Patients: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Pilot Study Protocol
This study will test whether a coordinated care transition program helps people 65 and older recover better and avoid being readmitted after elective colorectal surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salem, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06752031 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Older adults face high risks in the weeks after colorectal surgery, including medication problems, surgical complications, and worsening chronic disease that can lead to readmission. This project combines a geriatrics co-management model (OSCAR) with a structured Care Transition Intervention (CTI) that targets medication self-management, a personal health record, timely follow-up, and recognition of red flags. Participants meet with a trained transition coach in person and by phone over four weeks after discharge to reinforce these domains. The study will test the adapted program's feasibility and its effect on post-discharge outcomes for elective colorectal surgery patients aged 65 and older.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 65 or older who are scheduled for elective colorectal surgery, can provide informed consent, and can communicate in English are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergent (non-elective) colorectal procedures or those who do not speak English are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower 30-day readmissions and improve medication safety, follow-up, and early recognition of complications for older colorectal surgery patients.
How similar studies have performed: Geriatrics co-management and structured care transition programs have shown benefits in other surgical and medical populations, but combining OSCAR with CTI specifically for older colorectal surgery patients is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (\>65 years old) * Scheduled to undergo an elective colorectal surgery procedure * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Emergent, non-elective colorectal procedures * Non-English Speaking
Where this trial is running
Salem, Massachusetts
- 81 Highland Ave — Salem, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sevdenur Cizginer
- Email: scizginer1@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-726-4600
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.