RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Superiority of Intelligent Video Surveillance + Telealarm Over Telealarm Alone in Elderly People at Risk of Falling

Many older people want to stay in their own homes, but falling is a big worry, both for them and their families. This study explores new ways to help prevent falls and their serious consequences. It compares two methods: a telecare alarm, which many people already use, and a newer 'intelligent video surveillance' system. The video system uses smart technology to automatically detect if someone has fallen, even if they can't press a button themselves. The study aims to find out if using this smart video system alongside a traditional telecare alarm is more effective than just the telecare alarm alone. The goal is to detect falls much faster, preventing someone from lying on the floor for a long time, which can lead to serious health issues.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

395

Start

16 May 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Intelligent Video Surveillance Fall Home Frail Elderly Person

What is this study about?

For many older people, staying at home is very important. However, there's a big concern about falling, and sometimes the fear of falls can unfortunately lead to people moving into care homes. We know that lying on the floor for a long time after a fall can cause serious health problems, and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. This study is looking into whether new technology can help prevent these serious outcomes, allowing more people to live safely and independently at home.

Currently, many people use telecare alarms, which are devices that let you call for help if you've fallen. But sometimes, especially if someone is frail, confused, or has health problems, they might not be able to press the button. This means help can be delayed. This study is testing an 'intelligent video surveillance' system, which is a smart video camera placed in your home. This system uses clever computer programs, like artificial intelligence, to constantly watch for changes in your position. If it detects that you've fallen and are lying on the floor, it can automatically send an alert with a picture to a monitoring centre. An operator then checks the picture to confirm it's a fall and arranges for help. This system works without you needing to do anything, making it especially helpful for those who might struggle to use a traditional alarm.

Scientists want to compare if using this smart video system *with* a telecare alarm is better at quickly detecting falls and getting help, compared to just relying on the telecare alarm alone. The main idea is that faster detection could prevent people from lying on the floor for a long time, which is known to cause a lot of health problems. This research will help us understand if this new technology can genuinely improve safety and quality of life for older people at risk of falls.

Key takeaways

The study aims to help older people stay safe and independent at home.
It tests a smart video system that automatically detects falls.
It compares this system with traditional telecare alarms.
Quickly detecting falls can prevent serious health complications.
The video system respects privacy by not recording continuous video.
Participation could mean getting help faster if you fall.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for older people to take part. To be considered, you would need to be 75 years old or older. If you live on your own, you should have someone, like a family member or a carer, visit you at least once a day.

You would also need to have been in hospital recently, either in an elderly care ward or a rehabilitation (recovery) ward. A key part of joining is that you've had a fall relatively recently, and you find it hard to stand on one leg for more than 5 seconds. Both you and your family would also need to feel that going home could be tricky because of the risk of falling.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are under legal guardianship, not registered with the NHS or a similar social security system, or if you spend most of your time in bed or a chair, this study might not be suitable for you.

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 75 years old or older?
Have you recently been in an elderly care or rehabilitation hospital ward?
Do you sometimes find it hard to balance or stand on one leg?
Are you worried about falling at home, or are your family members worried?
If you live alone, do you get visits from someone (family or carer) at least once a day?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have either the smart video system installed in your home along with your existing telecare alarm, or you'll continue with just your telecare alarm. The study will monitor how well these systems detect falls. You won't have to take any new medication. Experts will occasionally check in on you. The total duration of your participation in the study has not been specifically detailed, but generally, such studies last for several months to a year or more. The main thing you'll be doing is living your normal life at home while the system is in place.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of earlier detection of falls and potentially quicker help, which could prevent serious health issues for you. However, as with any study involving new technology, there might be unforeseen issues or technical glitches. The smart video system focuses on detecting falls and doesn't record continuous video, respecting your privacy. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens Picardie
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'intelligent video system'?

It's a smart camera that uses computer programs to recognise if you've fallen, without recording you all the time.

How is this different from a normal telecare alarm?

A normal alarm needs you to press a button; this smart video system can automatically detect a fall even if you can't.

Will the video system be recording me constantly?

No, it focuses on detecting your position for falls and doesn't capture continuous video, protecting your privacy.

Why is it important to detect falls quickly?

Getting help quickly after a fall can prevent serious injuries and other health problems from lying on the floor for too long.

Who pays for the equipment if I take part?

All equipment related to the study would be provided for you as part of your participation.

How to find out more

Guillaume Deschasse, MD

deschasse.guillaume@chu-amiens.fr 03 22 08 80 00 Official trial record

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