Improving discharge summaries for older patients
Effectiveness of a Patient-oriented Discharge Summary for Older Inpatients Discharged Home.
This study tests if a new one-page discharge summary helps older patients and their caregivers better manage their care when leaving the hospital compared to regular discharge instructions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lausanne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Morges, Vaud) |
| Trial ID | NCT06123546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Patient-Oriented Discharge Summary (PODS) designed for older patients transitioning from hospital to home. The PODS tool provides essential information such as the reason for hospitalization, warning signs, treatment plans, and follow-up appointments on a single page. The study aims to compare the quality of care transition and the incidence of unmet needs between patients using the PODS and those receiving standard discharge instructions. It also assesses the perceived self-efficacy of caregivers during this transition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older patients who are being discharged home after a hospital stay of more than 48 hours and can communicate in French.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments or those unable to follow study procedures due to language barriers may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve post-discharge care and reduce hospital readmissions for older patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that improved discharge planning can enhance patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Being discharged home * Able to speak, read and write in French * Being hospitalized for more than 48H in participating medical units * Being able to give informed consent as documented by signature Exclusion criteria: • Inability to follow the procedures of the study according to the health care team, due to language problems or cognitive impairment.
Where this trial is running
Morges, Vaud
- Hôpital de Morges — Morges, Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Diana Eccel
- Email: diana.eccel@ehc.vd.ch
- Phone: 0041218042211
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.