Using video recordings to improve care for frail older patients

Acceptability, Feasibility, and Potential Effectiveness of Video-based Patient Records for Supporting Care Delivery for Older People With Frailty.

Observational Imperial College London · NCT06504641

This study is testing if using video recordings can help improve the care and communication for older patients with frailty and their caregivers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment95 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT06504641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the feasibility of using video recordings to capture the changing functional abilities and support needs of older patients with frailty. By documenting daily tasks and communication preferences, the study seeks to enhance communication among healthcare professionals involved in the care of these patients. The approach addresses the challenges of disjointed care and ineffective communication that often lead to avoidable health complications. The study will involve patients aged 65 and older admitted to an acute Medicine for the Elderly ward at St Mary's Hospital, along with their unpaid carers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older patients aged 65 and above who are considered frail or pre-frail by their care team.

Not a fit: Patients who lack capacity to consent without a personal consultee available to advise on their wishes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved communication and coordination of care for frail older patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and independence.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of video recordings in healthcare is an emerging approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving communication and care coordination.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted as an inpatient to an acute Medicine for the Elderly ward at St Mary's Hospital during a 3-month pilot phase of Isla's visual record platform
* Aged ≥65 years old
* Are considered to be frail or pre-frail by the direct care team
* Have capacity to consent to study participation OR lack capacity to consent on the condition that a 'personal consultee' is available to advise on the patient's likely wishes and feelings about taking part.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who lack capacity to consent will be excluded if a personal consultee is not available to advise on the patients' likely wishes or feelings about taking part.

Carers.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥18 years
* Provide the patient/care-recipient with assistance in their daily activities and are unpaid for these caring activities
* Are willing to participate in an interview as part of the study
* A carer may be a member of the patient's family, a friend, or other person who provides the patient with unpaid care

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Carers will be excluded if the patient/care-recipient declined to participate in the study

Ward team.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical staff working on an acute Medicine for the Elderly ward at St Mary's Hospital.
* Staff must be working regular shifts on the ward during study initiation and pilot phases
* Staff must have an active nhs.net account.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ad-hoc bank/agency staff
* Permanent staff on long-term leave (e.g. sick/maternity) during the pilot

Where this trial is running

London

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 FrailtyCommunicationPatient assessmentVideo-recordingCare transitionsCare continuity
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.