Healthcare Services for Older People Who Have Fallen With Potential Head Injury
Every year, many older people fall, and if they're on blood thinners, a head injury can be a worry. Often, they go to hospital for checks, even if they feel fine. This can lead to long waits or unnecessary hospital stays, which might make things worse for them. This study uses an online survey to ask NHS staff in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight how they currently look after older people after a fall, particularly those on blood thinners with a potential head injury but no worrying symptoms. We want to understand what works well, what challenges they face, and how care could be improved. The aim is to help design better services so older people can get the right care, perhaps even at home, avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Falls are quite common for older adults, and sometimes if someone hits their head, especially if they're taking blood-thinning medicines, there's a worry about bleeding inside the head. The current guidance often means these individuals are taken to hospital for checks, even if they don't have any symptoms like feeling sick or a bad headache.
However, going to hospital isn't always the best option. It can involve long waits in A&E, and for older people, being in hospital unnecessarily can sometimes lead to new problems like infections, confusion, or difficulty moving around. What's more important for many is getting a full check-up to understand why they fell in the first place and reviewing their medicines to prevent future falls. These checks could often happen outside of a hospital setting, perhaps even at home.
This study aims to discover how healthcare services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight currently manage older people who have fallen, particularly focusing on those taking blood thinners who might have had a head injury but don't have clear symptoms. We're asking NHS staff through an online survey about their roles, where they work, and what they do when assessing these patients. We also want to hear about any difficulties they face and their ideas for making care better. The hope is that this information will help improve care pathways, make sure older people get the right support in the right place (like their own home if suitable), and reduce the need for unnecessary emergency hospital visits.
Key takeaways
- This study collects information from NHS staff in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- It focuses on care for older people who fall and hit their head, especially if they're on blood thinners.
- The goal is to understand current practices and identify ways to improve care.
- The study hopes to reduce unnecessary hospital visits for older people.
- Improved care might include more support at home or in other community settings.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthcare professionals, aged 18 or over, who work mainly in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
To be eligible, you must also have experience in your job looking after older adults who are taking blood-thinning medicines and have had a fall. This means you understand how these situations are managed in your workplace.
Finally, for your participation to count, you need to agree to take part by completing the survey. If you don't agree to participate through the survey, then your responses can't be included in the study.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you work as a healthcare professional mainly in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight?
- Does your job involve helping older adults who have fallen and are on blood-thinning medicines?
- Are you willing to complete an online survey to share your experiences?
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, you will be asked to complete an online survey. This survey will ask you about your role as an NHS worker in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, where you work, and what you do when you assess older people who have fallen and might have a head injury, especially if they are on blood-thinning medication. The survey will also explore challenges you might face and your suggestions for improving care. There are no visits to a clinic or hospital required, no medication to take, and no follow-up assessments. Your participation involves completing this one-time online survey at your convenience.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS TrustPortsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'blood thinner'?
Blood thinners are medicines that help stop blood clots from forming or getting larger. They are often prescribed for people with certain health conditions.
Why are falls with head injuries a concern for older people on blood thinners?
If someone on blood thinners falls and hits their head, there's a small chance of bleeding in the brain. Current guidelines often recommend checks for this, even if there are no symptoms.
What is the main goal of this study?
The study aims to understand how current healthcare services care for older people after a fall, especially those on blood thinners, and to find ways to make this care better and more patient-friendly.
Who is being asked to participate in this study?
This study is asking NHS healthcare workers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have experience caring for older people after a fall to share their experiences through a survey.
Will taking part in this study lead to changes for me directly?
This study is for healthcare professionals, not patients. It aims to gather information to improve services for patients in the future, but will not directly impact individual patient care during the study.
How to find out more
Laura Marshall
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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