Using a pain assessment tool for dementia patients in emergency departments

Pragmatic Use of PAIN-Advanced Dementia Scale in Emergency Departments

Not applicable Interventional University of Chicago · NCT06370572

This study is testing a new tool to help emergency department staff better assess and manage pain in dementia patients with hip pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1899 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06370572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pain in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale in improving pain management for patients with dementia presenting to emergency departments with hip pain. By implementing an electronic health record (EHR) prompt for emergency department staff, the study seeks to enhance the accuracy of pain assessments and subsequently improve treatment outcomes. The research will utilize a pragmatic pilot design, comparing pre- and post-intervention data to assess the impact of the PAINAD scale on pain management practices. The study will be conducted at the University of Chicago Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older who present to the emergency department with complaints of hip pain and have a history of dementia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age or diagnosis criteria, or those without hip pain, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective pain management for dementia patients in emergency settings.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using structured pain assessment tools in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients greater than or equal to 65 years old
* ED arrival complaint of hip pain
* History of dementia by past medical history or problem list in EHR

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients do not meet inclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DementiaHip PainEmergency Department PatientPain in Advanced Dementia Scale
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.