ED-PATCH Tool for Emergency Department Discharge

(ED-PATCH Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By ED-PATCH Program Manager

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: IWK Health Centre

Disqualifiers: Children under 14, Hospital admission, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

12000 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effectiveness and implementation of the Emergency Department Patient-Activated Transition to Care at Home (ED-PATCH) tool, which is used by patients to manage information during their visit to the emergency department. The main aims of the trial are: * To study whether ED-PATCH works well in Canadian emergency department settings * To understand the context and strategies impacting the implementation of ED-PATCH in Canadian emergency department settings ED-PATCH is an electronic tool accessed using a smartphone or tablet that patients and caregivers can use to create their own summary of what happened during their visit to the emergency department. Using a questionnaire format, the tool prompts users to enter information about their symptoms, tests and procedures done during the visit, diagnosis, medications given, and their plans after leaving the emergency department. A healthcare provider checks that the information is correct before the summary is locked and emailed to the patient. Researchers will compare data collected before ED-PATCH is launched and after it is launched to learn if the tool reduces return visits to the emergency department and other outcomes such as participants' stress, memory and understanding of their visit, health status, and care experiences.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English or French-speaking individuals aged 14 and older who are discharged from the emergency department (ED) in Canada, have a CTAS score of 2-5, and can consent. It's also for caregivers of patients under 14. People not seeking care at participating sites or unable to use the ED-PATCH tool are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My emergency care need is not immediate but requires attention.

I have given my permission for treatment after understanding the risks.

I am 14 or older, or I am a caregiver for someone under 14.

Timeline

Pre-Implementation

Patients receive usual discharge communication before ED-PATCH is implemented

18 months

Post-Implementation

ED-PATCH is implemented and patients use the tool during their ED visit

18 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as ED readmissions and patient-reported outcomes

Up to 30 days post-discharge

Treatment Details

Interventions

• ED-PATCH

Trial Overview The study tests the ED-PATCH tool, an electronic system helping patients manage their emergency visit information via smartphone or tablet. The research will see if it improves understanding of care received, reduces return visits to the ED, and affects stress levels and health status.

Participant Groups

Group I: Post-Implementation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm of the study will occur after ED-PATCH has been implemented.

Group II: Pre-Implementation Active Control 1 Intervention

This arm of the study will occur before ED-PATCH has been implemented. Patients will receive usual discharge communication.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

IWK Health Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

131

Recruited

112,000+