Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Technology Supported Improvement, Management and Prevention of Accidental Falls in Hospitals

This study is investigating how technology helps prevent patients from falling in hospitals. A student researcher will visit two different hospitals to observe the systems currently in place. They want to understand how these fall prevention technologies influence what staff do and how safe patients are. Although falls in hospitals are rare, they can have a big impact, especially on patients who are already unwell or frail. Current research hasn't found many effective ways to stop falls, leaving healthcare workers with few tools. This study believes that understanding the specific situations and environments where falls happen is key to finding better solutions. By looking closely at how staff work and the technology they use, the study hopes to suggest improvements for future technology and practices to make hospitals safer.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Accidental Falls Fall Prevention

What is this study about?

Falling over in hospital can be a very worrying experience, especially if you're already not feeling well. This study is all about trying to find better ways to stop these falls from happening. Researchers want to understand exactly how technology is used in hospitals right now to prevent falls, and how this impacts both staff and patient safety. They believe that by carefully watching what happens on hospital wards, they can find new insights into why falls occur and how to prevent them more effectively.

At the moment, it's really hard to measure and prevent falls in a way that truly helps. This is partly because every fall can happen for different reasons and in different situations. This study thinks that by focusing on these different situations – the 'context' – they can get a clearer picture. They will look at how staff make decisions, what they do every day, and how existing technology helps or hinders them in keeping patients safe. By doing this, they hope to identify the real issues and suggest practical changes that could make a difference.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide useful recommendations for how new technology could be designed and used to make hospitals even safer for everyone. They will be comparing how many falls actually happen during the study with the usual ways hospitals count them, to see if their new way of looking at things gives better information. This research doesn't involve any new treatments or medicines; it's about understanding and improving current practices and tools.

Key takeaways

A research study about preventing patient falls in hospitals.
Looks at how fall prevention technology affects staff and patient safety.
Involves observing hospital staff on specific wards.
Patients and relatives on these wards can complete a questionnaire.
Aims to make recommendations for better technology and practices to prevent falls.
No new medicines or treatments involved.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for staff members to take part, not patients. You might be able to participate if you are part of the ward team on one of the hospital wards chosen for the study.

This includes a wide range of staff members, such as nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, cleaning staff, administrative staff, and even students working on the ward. It also includes any temporary staff from agencies or other wards who are working there and are willing to join the study.

However, you cannot take part if you are under 18 years old. Otherwise, if you are an adult working on one of the selected wards, you could be considered.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you staff working on a hospital ward included in the study?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you willing to be observed during your normal work, if you're staff?
Are you a patient or relative on a study ward who would like to share your views via a questionnaire?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a ward is chosen for the study, staff members who agree to take part will mostly be observed as they go about their normal work. A student researcher will be present on the ward to watch how staff use technology and their current methods to prevent falls. This includes observing their daily activities and decisions. Your work 'as imagined' (how you think things should work) will be compared to 'work as done' (what actually happens in practice). You won't be asked to change your normal routine. Additionally, ward staff, patients, and their families on the chosen wards will have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire about their experiences with fall prevention technology. This is completely voluntary and will be advertised through posters and leaflets on the ward. The total duration of your involvement would be during the observation period on your ward. There are no visits specific to the study, no special assessments for you, and no medication involved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study primarily involves observation and possibly completing a questionnaire. For staff, the main benefit is contributing to research that could lead to better ways to prevent falls, making hospitals safer for patients and improving working practices. For patients and relatives, completing a questionnaire means your experiences can help shape future improvements in fall prevention. As this is an observational study, the risks are very low; your privacy will be protected. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care or your job.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals of Leicester
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find better ways to prevent patients from falling in hospitals by looking at how technology is used and how staff work.

Will I have to take any new medicines or treatments?

No, this study does not involve any new medicines or treatments. It's about observing how current fall prevention methods and technology are used.

Who can take part in this study?

Adult hospital staff (nurses, doctors, cleaners, students etc.) on specific chosen wards can take part. Patients and relatives on these wards can also complete a questionnaire if they wish.

How long will I be involved if I take part?

If you are a staff member, your involvement would be during the period when researchers are observing your ward. If you are a patient or relative, it's just the time it takes to complete a questionnaire.

Will my privacy be protected?

Yes, the study will protect your privacy. Observations will be done carefully, and all information collected will be kept confidential.

How to find out more

Jan Christian, RN, Ba(hons)

janice.christian@nottingham.ac.uk +447900180643 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.