Telehealth Program for Fall Prevention
(eGAPcare Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to prevent falls in older adults using telehealth. Researchers aim to determine if virtual consultations with physical therapists and pharmacists can be effective in a community emergency department setting. The goal is to assess whether these virtual visits can reduce repeated falls over six months. This trial suits community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who have recently visited the emergency department due to a fall, as long as the fall wasn't caused by fainting, an external force, or a serious illness. Participants will receive telehealth consultations and follow-up phone visits for six months. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve fall prevention strategies for older adults.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this telehealth program is safe for fall prevention?
Research has shown that telehealth programs, like the one being studied, are generally safe and effective for preventing falls in older adults. Studies have found that these programs can significantly lower the risk of falls. For instance, one review found that telehealth interventions reduced fall risk by 21% compared to those who did not use these services.
Additionally, a study reported that patients using telehealth for fall prevention experienced fewer first-time fall injuries than those receiving regular care. This suggests that telehealth interventions are not only effective but also well-received by patients.
Regarding safety, a review of virtual consultations, including telehealth services, has shown good safety outcomes. Patients generally feel safe using telehealth, with no major negative effects reported.
Overall, existing research supports that telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultations are safe and effective for preventing falls in older adults.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the telehealth program for fall prevention because it uses a unique approach that combines telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultation. Unlike traditional in-person visits, this program leverages digital technology to provide care directly in the patient's home, making it more accessible and convenient, especially for those with mobility issues. Additionally, by integrating pharmacy consultation, the program aims to address medication-related risks that could contribute to falls, offering a comprehensive approach to fall prevention. This method not only saves time and resources but also has the potential to personalize care plans and improve patient outcomes by providing continuous support and monitoring.
What evidence suggests that this telehealth program is effective for fall prevention?
Studies have shown that telehealth can help prevent falls in older adults. One review found that telehealth reduced the risk of falling by 21%. Another study reported that telehealth programs cut the number of falls by about half. In this trial, participants will receive telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultation as part of the intervention. Telephysiotherapy, conducted remotely, has proven more effective than traditional methods in improving both physical and mental health in older patients. These findings suggest that telehealth can reduce falls by making care more accessible, even from a distance.24678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults who visit a community emergency department and need help preventing falls. Participants will use telehealth services, including physical therapy and pharmacy consultations, while in the emergency department.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultation while in the emergency department
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment through follow-up visits over the phone
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultation
Trial Overview
The study tests if eGAPcare—a telehealth version of GAPcare—can be done in an emergency department setting and if it helps reduce falls over six months. It includes remote follow-ups and questionnaires administered by study staff.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Telehealth physical therapy and pharmacy consultation at baseline emergency department visit.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
Citations
Effectiveness of telerehabilitation and home-based falls ...
We aim to synthesise the trials on telerehabilitation and home-based falls prevention programmes to determine their effectiveness in reducing falls and adverse ...
2.
uchealth.org
uchealth.org/today/can-telehealth-help-unravel-the-problem-of-fall-prevention-in-older-adults/Can telehealth help with fall prevention in older adults?
Prevening falls is critical to reducing injuries among older adults, and telehealth tools may help providers reach more people in rural ...
The effectiveness of e-interventions on fall, neuromuscular ...
In this review, telehealth significantly improved fall outcomes in decreasing fall risk by 21% compared to controls. The fall risk ratio. Conclusion. This ...
4.
healthrecoverysolutions.com
healthrecoverysolutions.com/blog/home-based-aging-care-using-telehealthHome-Based Aging Care Using Telehealth
Overall, the telehealth intervention reduced falls by about 50%. Not only does this present a promising way to prevent falls in the elderly population, but it ...
Effectiveness of Telephysiotherapy in Improving Older ...
Telephysiotherapy was more effective than traditional rehabilitation, significantly improving the physical and psychological status of elderly patients.
Telemedicine-Based Risk Program to Prevent Falls Among ...
They found that the intervention resulted in a significantly lower rate of a first self-reported fall injury compared to enhanced usual care, but no significant ...
Reach, adoption, and implementation strategies of a ...
This study documented strategies to reach, adopt and implement a new telehealth program for primary fall prevention according to the lived ...
Patient safety measures for virtual consultations in primary ...
Tangible outcomes were evident through three subthemes—adverse events, health outcomes and patient perception of safety. Conclusions This review ...
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