Integrated Chinese and Western care for frail older adults after hospitalization
A Multicenter Observational Study of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Care Model in Post-Acute Treatment of Frail Elderly Patients
This project will try combining traditional Chinese medicine with standard Western post-hospital care to help frail adults aged 75 and older regain strength and daily function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT07136935 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers at China Medical University Hospital will use an integrated care model combining traditional Chinese medicine treatments with standard Western post-acute care for frail older adults. Eligible participants are age 75 or older who were recently hospitalized, have a history of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, COPD, mild dementia, or stage 3+ chronic kidney disease, and show moderate frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale 5–7) with recent functional decline. The program delivers TCM therapies alongside conventional medical management and rehabilitation, while tracking outcomes including physical function, frailty scores, rehospitalization rates, and adverse events. The study is observational and aims to document real-world effects, feasibility, and safety of the combined care approach in the post-acute period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 75 or older who were recently hospitalized for an acute illness, have moderate frailty (CFS 5–7) with recent functional decline, a qualifying chronic condition (e.g., Parkinson's, COPD, mild dementia, or CKD stage ≥3), and can participate in questionnaires and treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable (requiring intensive interventions or supplemental oxygen) or who cannot cooperate with treatment or communication are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this combined care model could improve physical strength, daily functioning, and reduce rehospitalizations for frail older adults after hospital stays.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller trials and pilot programs of TCM or integrated care for frailty have suggested possible functional benefits, but high-quality evidence remains limited and the approach is not yet widely proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Elderly patients aged ≥75 years. 2. A history of at least one of the following conditions: Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mild dementia, or chronic kidney disease at stage 3 or above. 3. Hospitalized due to an acute illness (length of hospital stay \>72 hours). 4. Functional decline within one month after completion of treatment. 5. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score of 5-7 (indicating moderate or greater frailty, with retained rehabilitation potential). 6. Can answer clinical questionnaires and scales. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medically unstable (requiring intensive medical interventions, diagnostic testing, or supplemental oxygen). 2. Unable to cooperate with treatment or communication.
Where this trial is running
Taichung
- China Medical University Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu-Chen Lee
- Email: 005167@tool.caaumed.org.tw
- Phone: 886-4-22052121
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.