Using a simulated environment to help patients reintegrate into the community

Comparison of Community Reintegration Interventions Relative to the Institution of a Simulated Environment in Inpatient Rehabilitation and Pilot Study of the Impact of Simulated Environment on Functional Outcomes

Not applicable Interventional Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06646939

This study tests whether using a simulated environment can help patients in rehab better prepare to return to their communities after their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06646939 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a simulated environment in enhancing community reintegration training for patients in an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional community reintegration practices were disrupted, prompting the creation of a simulated environment to safely train patients. The study aims to evaluate how the use of this simulated environment impacts the functional abilities of patients preparing to return home. Data will be collected from patients who utilized this environment during their rehabilitation stay to assess its efficacy compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include ambulatory patients aged 18 and older who are preparing for discharge to home after inpatient rehabilitation and have utilized the simulated environment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not ambulatory or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria, such as being under 18 years of age, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved functional outcomes for patients undergoing rehabilitation, facilitating a safer and more efficient transition back to community living.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches, indicating that simulated environments can enhance functional improvements in rehabilitation settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Medical records of patients admitted to the IRU from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019 will be queried for number of minutes billed for Community Integration.
* Medical records of patients admitted to the IRU from April 2
* Patients admitted to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) of at least 18 years of age and older
* Patients who can read and provide informed consent in English.
* Patients who will be discharged to home after inpatient rehabilitation.
* Patients who are ambulatory with a minimal QI score of 3 on "Walk 10 feet".
* Patients who utilized the simulated environment during their inpatient stay.
* Patients who score 8 or greater on the BIMS on initial evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The investigators will exclude medical records of patients admitted to the IRU from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 because of the COVID restrictions that were in place.
* Patients who are less than 18 years of age.
* Patients who are not ambulatory due to medical reasons.
* Patients who cannot read and provide informed consent in English.
* Patients who were discharged to acute care, skilled nursing facility or long-term care facility after their inpatient rehabilitation stay.
* Patients who did not use the simulated environment during their inpatient stay.
* Patients who score 7 or lower on the BIMS on initial evaluation.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Simulated Environments for Community ReintegrationInpatient Rehabilitation UnitCommunity ReintegrationSimulated Environment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.