RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

CONSTELLATIONS Living Lab: Improving the Care Transitions of Older Adults Living with Neurocognitive Disorders

This study is called the CONSTELLATIONS Living Lab. It focuses on improving the journey and care experiences for older adults in Quebec, Canada, who have serious memory problems like Alzheimer's disease. Often, moving from one healthcare service to another can be difficult and confusing for these patients and their families. This project is testing a new program called CoMPAS+ MNCDs. This program helps local doctors' groups work together better, share information more easily, and get feedback from patients and caregivers. The main goal is to make sure care is well-coordinated, less stressful, and ultimately better for those living with these conditions and their loved ones.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

700

Start

14 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Alzheimer Disease Dementia Neurocognitive Decline

What is this study about?

This research project is looking at how to make healthcare better for older people who have conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other serious memory problems, which doctors call 'major neurocognitive disorders'. Many people with these conditions and their families find it hard when they need to move between different healthcare services, like going from their GP to a specialist, or from a hospital back home. This can be confusing and cause a lot of stress for everyone involved.

The study aims to fix these problems by improving how different healthcare providers talk to each other and share important information. It's testing a special programme called CoMPAS+ MNCDs in a specific area of Canada (Quebec). This programme encourages local healthcare teams, like those at GP surgeries, to look at what's working well and what's not, and then to come up with new ways to make care transitions smoother and more organised. This includes making sure patients and their family carers have a say in how services are run.

The researchers will follow how this programme works over two years. They want to see if it truly helps improve the quality of care and makes things easier for patients and their families. The results will then help healthcare leaders not only in that region but potentially across Canada, to offer better, more joined-up care for older people with memory issues.

Key takeaways

Focuses on improving care for older people with memory problems.
Aims to make moving between healthcare services smoother.
No new medications are involved in this study.
Looks at how health teams work together and share information.
Your experiences could help shape better future care.
Patients and carers can contribute to the study.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be 65 years old or older and have a major memory problem like dementia or Alzheimer's. You also need to live in a specific area in Quebec, Canada, covered by something called CISSS CA. You should be living at home, in a retirement home, or a similar type of care. It's important that you can understand the study and agree to take part on your own. We will also need your permission to look at your medical records.

Alternatively, you could be a family member or carer for someone who meets all the above criteria. In that case, you would need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part on your own, and allow the researchers to access the patient's medical records.

You would not be able to join if you are under 65, live in a long-term care home (like a nursing home), or live outside the specific region mentioned. Also, if you or the person you care for cannot independently agree to be part of the study, or if you don't agree for your medical records to be checked, you unfortunately won't be able to participate.

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 65 years old or older?
Do you have a major memory problem (like dementia or Alzheimer's)?
Do you live in the specific CISSS CA region of Quebec?
Are you able to agree to take part in research on your own?
Are you willing for your medical records to be checked by researchers?
Or, are you a carer for someone who meets these conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is about improving how healthcare is organised, so it doesn't involve new medications or treatments. Instead, it looks at how patients and their caregivers experience healthcare transitions. If you take part, it would mainly involve giving your permission for the research team to look at your medical records (from your GP and hospital, if available) to understand how care is currently provided. There might be questionnaires or discussions about your experiences, but the study description doesn't explicitly detail the format. The overall project will run for two years, but your individual involvement will depend on how the programme is evaluated and what information is needed from you or your loved one's care journey. The main goal is to gather information to help improve services for everyone.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks as this study does not involve new treatments or procedures; it focuses on improving care systems. The main benefit is that your participation helps develop better, more coordinated care for older adults with memory problems and their families in the future. Sharing personal health information always carries a small risk, but researchers will protect your privacy. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Patrick Archambault
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'care transition' in this study?

It means moving between different healthcare services, like from your doctor to a specialist, or from a hospital back home.

What are 'major neurocognitive disorders'?

These are conditions that cause serious memory problems and affect thinking, like Alzheimer's disease.

Will I have to take new medicine if I join?

No, this study is about improving healthcare organisation, not testing new medications.

What does a 'learning health system' mean?

It means a healthcare system that learns from its experiences and constantly improves how it provides care.

Can my family join if I have memory problems?

Yes, family members or carers of someone with memory problems can also take part in the study.

How to find out more

Patrick M Archambault, MD MSc FRCPC

patrick.archambault.med@ssss.gouv.qc.ca 4189552552 Official trial record

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