Telehealth fall-prevention program in the emergency department for older adults
eGAPcare: Modifying the Geriatric Acute & Post-acute Care Coordination Program for Fall Prevention in the Emergency Department for Telehealth
NA · University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07034287
This program will test whether offering telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultations to people 65 and older in the emergency department helps prevent repeat falls over six months.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Loveland, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT07034287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project tests a telehealth adaptation of the GAPcare model (eGAPcare) in a community emergency department. Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who present after a non-syncopal, non-traumatic fall and who will be discharged are offered telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultations while in the ED. Participants receive structured follow-up phone visits and study questionnaires over six months to track recurrent falls, medication changes, and adherence to recommendations. The trial will see if telehealth delivery is feasible in the ED setting and whether it reduces repeat falls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who come to the ED after a fall not caused by syncope, external force, or serious acute illness, will be discharged rather than admitted, and can consent or have a proxy to consent.
Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those admitted for a serious medical condition, those with injuries preventing mobilization (such as pelvic or lower-extremity fractures), those with falls due to syncope or external trauma, or patients unable to consent due to intoxication or acute mental status changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower recurrent falls and improve medication and mobility management by delivering timely PT and pharmacy reviews to older adults seen in the ED.
How similar studies have performed: Previous in-person GAPcare programs have shown promise in ED-based fall prevention, but adapting the model to telehealth is novel and its effectiveness is not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Community-dwelling adult (non-institutionalized) 65 years-old or older presenting to ED after a fall * Fall not due to syncope or external force (i.e., struck by car or assault) * Fall not due to serious illness (i.e., stroke, acute myocardial infarction) * Will be discharged to home/assisted living/rehabilitation at completion of ED visit (i.e., not admitted) * Proxy available to give informed consent if patient lacks capacity Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give informed consent due to intoxication or acute change in mental status * Presence of injuries that prevent mobilization (i.e., pelvic or lower extremity fractures)
Where this trial is running
Loveland, Colorado
- Medical Center of the Rockies — Loveland, Colorado, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth M Goldberg, MD, ScM
- Email: elizabeth.goldberg@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 3037244712
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: Older Adults, Fall Prevention, Telehealth, Emergency Department