Preventing medication-related side effects and falls in older adults after an ER visit
The Geriatric Emergency Department Pharmacologic Harm Prevention Project
NA · Florida Atlantic University · NCT07216846
This project will test whether giving doctors patients' DNA results to guide prescribing can reduce medication side effects and falls in adults 65 and older who come to the emergency department after a ground-level fall.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida Atlantic University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Delray Beach, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT07216846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll adults aged 65 and older who present to the Delray Medical Center emergency department after a ground-level fall and randomize them to one of two pathways. The DNA Care Pathway provides treating physicians and primary care providers with patients' pharmacogenomic results to guide medication choices, while the Emergency Department Care Pathway follows usual care and shares DNA results only after study completion. Participants give a cheek swab for DNA testing, complete a fall and medication calendar, and receive monthly follow-up phone calls for six months to record falls, injuries, medication changes, and side effects. Investigators will compare rates of medication-related adverse events, especially falls and fall-related injuries, between the two groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older who come to the emergency department after a ground-level fall, particularly those taking multiple prescription medications.
Not a fit: Patients in hospice care or with a do-not-resuscitate order are excluded and those not taking medications that interact with common pharmacogenes or whose falls are due to acute non-medication causes may be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help clinicians choose safer medications and lower the risk of falls and other medication-related side effects in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pharmacogenomic programs have reduced some adverse drug reactions and informed safer prescribing, but using DNA-guided prescribing specifically to prevent falls remains relatively novel with limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over the age of 65 with a ground level fall Exclusion Criteria: * hospice and/or DNR status.
Where this trial is running
Delray Beach, Florida
- Delray Medical Center — Delray Beach, Florida, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Shih, MD — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Richard Shih, Professor, MD
- Email: rshih@health.fau.edu
- Phone: 561-737-7733
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.
Conditions: Fall, Fall Accident, Poly Pharmacy, Adverse Drug Events, Pharmacogenomic Drug Interaction, Pharmacogenomic Testing, Geriatric, Pharmacogenomic