Mobile Geriatric Unit (MGU) to Reduce Hospitalisations in Nursing Home Residents: A Prospective Observational Before-After Study
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Universität des Saarlandes
- Enrollment
- 4,907
- Locations
- 1
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This prospective observational before-after study evaluates the impact of a Mobile Geriatric Unit (MGU) on hospitalisation rates among nursing home residents. The study includes a 12-month control phase with usual care followed by a 12-month intervention phase during which the MGU is implemented. The MGU provides advanced on-site diagnostics and telemedicine-supported specialist consultation within nursing homes.
Detailed Description
This prospective observational before-after study evaluates the impact of a Mobile Geriatric Unit (MGU) on hospitalisation rates among nursing home residents in Saarland, Germany. The study includes a 12-month control phase with usual care followed by a 12-month intervention phase with MGU implementation in 46 nursing homes.
The MGU provides on-site advanced diagnostics (CT, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, EEG, and laboratory testing) supported by telemedicine consultation with hospital specialists. A physician and radiology technician perform diagnostics in the nursing home, with results communicated to the general practitioner for treatment decisions within 48 hours.
Usual care involves hospital referral and in-hospital diagnostics. The intervention aims to reduce avoidable hospital admissions by providing diagnostics and specialist input directly in the nursing home.
The primary outcome is hospital admissions per person-year. Secondary outcomes include mortality, functional and cognitive status, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), complications, healthcare costs, and 30-day hospitalisation-free survival.
Eligible participants are nursing home residents with consent or proxy consent; those requiring immediate hospitalisation are excluded.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Cohort
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Residents of participating nursing homes
- •Informed consent from participant or legal representative
Exclusion Criteria
- •Acute life-threatening conditions requiring immediate hospitalisation
Arms & Interventions
Control Phase (Usual Care)
Usual care including general practitioner (GP) referral, hospital transport, and in-hospital diagnostics and treatment.
Intervention Phase (MGU)
On-site diagnostic evaluation using the Mobile Geriatric Unit with broad diagnostic capabilities followed by teleconsultation and further treatment by the general practitioner.
Intervention: Mobile Geriatric Unit (MGU) (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Not specified
Secondary Outcomes
- Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L)(Day 180)
Investigators
Klaus Faßbender
Principal Investigator
Universität des Saarlandes