This Study Aims to Measure the Effect of Acute Hospitalisation on the Physical and Cognitive Functioning of Older Orthopaedic Patients (Aged 65 or Above).
This study is investigating how a hospital stay for a bone or joint injury might affect the physical and thinking skills of older people (aged 65 and up). We already know that being in hospital can sometimes make people feel weaker or their memory less sharp. This research aims to understand these changes better. We'll ask patients to complete some straightforward physical and thinking tests, as well as questionnaires. These will be done several times: soon after they're admitted, again before they go home, and then 4-6 weeks after they've left the hospital. Some patients will also wear an activity watch. We'll also talk to patients and hospital staff to hear about their experiences. The goal is to help improve care for older adults in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into how a hospital stay for a bone or joint injury can affect older people, specifically those aged 65 or over. When someone is in hospital, especially after an injury, they might find their physical strength or even their ability to think clearly changes. This can be due to the injury itself, the medical treatments, or simply spending more time resting in bed than usual. This study wants to understand exactly what these changes are and when they happen.
To do this, we'll be asking people who are admitted to Southampton General Hospital with a bone or joint injury to take part. We'll invite them to complete some simple physical activities, like walking a short distance or standing up from a chair, and answer some questions about their memory and general well-being. These checks will happen at key times: shortly after they arrive at the hospital, again just before they leave, and then about 4 to 6 weeks after they've gone home. If someone stays in hospital for a long time, we might check in with them an extra time.
We also want to hear about people's experiences directly. Some patients who take part in the tests will also be invited for a chat about their hospital stay and any changes they noticed. We'll also talk to hospital staff to get their perspective. All this information will help us understand the bigger picture and ultimately find ways to make hospital stays better for older people in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on older adults (65+) with bone or joint injuries.
- It checks physical and thinking skills before, during, and after hospital stay.
- Participation involves questionnaires, simple tests, and possibly wearing an activity watch.
- Some patients and staff will be interviewed about their experiences.
- No new medications are involved.
- The goal is to improve future care for older patients.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you need to be at least 65 years old and be admitted to Southampton General Hospital for a bone or joint (orthopaedic) injury. We'd also need to talk to you about the study and get your written permission within 72 hours (3 days) of your admission to the hospital.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your doctor thinks you wouldn't be able to safely do the physical tests, or if you are receiving end-of-life care. Also, if you needed a hoist to help you move from your bed to a chair before you came to the hospital, you wouldn't be able to join. If we weren't able to speak to you about the study within the first 72 hours of your admission, you wouldn't be able to join either.
We are also inviting hospital staff who work with older patients with bone or joint injuries at Southampton General Hospital to take part in interviews.
- Are you 65 years old or older?
- Are you currently admitted to Southampton General Hospital for a bone or joint injury?
- Were you admitted less than 3 days ago?
- Are you able to give your written permission to join the study?
- Has your doctor said you can safely do some simple physical and thinking tests?
- Are you able to get out of bed to a chair without a hoist?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, here's what would generally happen:
* **Assessments:** You would have at least three assessment sessions. The first two would be while you are in the hospital (one soon after admission, the other before you go home or after about 7 days). The third assessment would be about 4-6 weeks after you've gone home, usually at your home or another suitable place. If you stay in hospital for more than 30 days, there might be an extra assessment during your stay. * **What the assessments involve:** Each assessment session would include answering some questionnaires and doing some simple physical and thinking tests. These could involve things like walking a short distance or answering questions about your memory. * **Activity Watch:** Between your first and second hospital assessments, you would be asked to wear a special activity watch. This watch simply records your movement, similar to a fitness tracker. * **Interviews (optional):** A small number of patients (and hospital staff) will be invited for an interview. This is a chat, lasting about 30-60 minutes, where you can share your experiences. It can be done over the phone, online, or in person, whichever you prefer. These interviews would be audio or video recorded temporarily, but the recordings are deleted as soon as they are written down. * **No specific medication:** This study doesn't involve giving you any new medications or treatments. * **Total Duration:** Your involvement in the study, from your first assessment to your final one after going home, would last approximately 4-6 weeks, plus the interview if you choose to do one.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals Southampton Foundation TrustSouthampton, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'deconditioning'?
Deconditioning is when your body becomes weaker or less fit because you've been less active, for example, during a hospital stay.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications or treatments.
How long will each assessment take?
The study brief doesn't specify the exact time for each assessment, but they involve questionnaires and simple physical tests.
What is an 'orthopaedic injury'?
An orthopaedic injury is a problem with your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, like a broken bone.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can stop taking part in the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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