Preventing falls in older veterans
Development of a Fall Risk Identification and Management Model for Older Veterans
This study is trying to see if a new program can help older veterans avoid falls by finding and managing their specific fall risks through different types of support and care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT06573983 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This initiative focuses on identifying and managing fall risks among older veterans who receive primary care. It aims to develop a personalized multifactorial model called Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) to proactively prevent falls by addressing various risk factors. The program includes interventions such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication reconciliation, and home safety modifications. By integrating fall risk assessments into routine primary care, the study seeks to reduce the incidence of falls and their associated health consequences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 65 and older who have been identified as at risk for falls and have access to telehealth services.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological conditions or those with a life expectancy of less than 12 months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the incidence of falls and related injuries among older veterans, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in fall prevention strategies for older adults, indicating that this approach has potential based on existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Screens positive for increased fall risk within GeriPACT, or generalPACT as needed, (answers "yes" to any of 3 screening questions) * 65 years of age and older * Positive screen on at least two fall risk factor assessments (Aim 1); Positive screen on at least one fall risk factor assessment (Aim 2) * Access to telehealth * Availability of an additional adult (e.g., caregiver or family member) to be present during the physical assessment Exclusion Criteria: * Life expectancy \<12 months, as determined by PCP * Neurological diagnosis (e.g., cerebral vascular accident, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease) * Moderate cognitive impairment (\<13 on telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BLIND) or \<18 on MoCA Full administered during clinic visit in the previous 3 months) * Unstable condition that precludes safe participation in structured exercise (e.g., recent deep vein thrombosis) if expected fall risk factor is physical, as determined by PCP or chart review * Participation in any intervention components of the FRIM model, with the intention of reducing a FRIM fall risk factor, within the past 2 months * Currently using a wheelchair for mobilization * If it is in the opinion of the study staff that the participant would be at an increased suicide risk due to study procedures
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexander J Garbin, PhD DPT — Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
- Study coordinator: Alexander J Garbin, PhD DPT
- Email: Alexander.Garbin@va.gov
- Phone: (563) 340-7121
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.