The CHARM Study-Coordinating Transitions from Hospital for Older Adults with Fractures: an Interventional Mixed Methods Study

Background: Fall-related injuries like fractures are on the rise among older adults in New Brunswick. These injuries can lead to hospitalization and adverse health effects. Moreover, transitions from acute care can be complicated and overwhelming, especially for patients and their families. Researching patient navigators as a means of enhancing inpatient care, while also ensuring successful transitions in care for patients, may have positive impacts and help older adults successfully age in place.

Objective: This study seeks to investigate the effects of having support from patient navigators in helping older adults admitted to the Orthopedic Unit with a fracture. Specifically, the objectives are to investigate whether there are differences between patients with patient navigators and those patients receiving standard of care, regarding: the length of stay in acute care; healthcare utilization post-discharge; patient and family experience and satisfaction with care; and, healthcare provider experiences working with patient navigators.

Methods: This study uses a mixed-method concurrent embedded design, in which the quantitative randomized control trial has an embedded qualitative component.

Potential Benefits/Risks: This study is considered low risk. Potential benefits of this study include a better understanding of the impact of support from a patient navigator on inpatient care and patient transitions. This information will be used to inform the development of practical recommendations for policymakers and clinicians on how to enhance inpatient acute care and successful transitions for older adults.