Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reducing Low-value Care for Trauma Admissions

This study aims to improve care for people admitted to hospital with injuries. Currently, some patients receive tests or procedures that aren't truly needed, which can cause stress, expose them to risks, and put a strain on healthcare resources. This research is comparing two ways to help hospitals provide the best care: a basic feedback system, and a more in-depth approach that includes training and support. The goal is to see if these methods can reduce unnecessary care while ensuring patients get exactly what they need for their recovery. The findings could lead to better and more efficient healthcare for injured patients not just in Canada, but also in the UK and other countries.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Trauma Injury

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had an accident and are brought to the hospital with an injury. Doctors and nurses work hard to help you, but sometimes you might receive tests or treatments that, while well-intentioned, aren't actually necessary for your specific injury. These are sometimes called 'low-value' care because their benefits might not outweigh the potential harms, costs, or discomfort.

This study, called 'Reducing Low-value Care for Trauma Admissions,' is all about finding better ways to make sure patients with injuries receive only the most appropriate and helpful care. Researchers know that in places like Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US, a lot of money is spent on healthcare, and a significant portion of it goes towards these unneeded services. This can mean longer waits for others, more stress for patients, and sometimes even unnecessary risks.

So, what are they doing? They're testing two different approaches in Canadian hospitals. One approach involves giving hospitals simple feedback about the care they're providing. The other is a more thorough programme that includes not just feedback, but also education, training, and ongoing support. The aim is to see which method is more effective at helping hospitals reduce these 'low-value' practices, ultimately leading to better, safer, and more efficient care for injured patients everywhere. This could mean fewer unnecessary scans, fewer procedures, and more resources available for those who truly need them.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make care better and safer for injured patients.
It focuses on reducing 'low-value' care – tests or treatments that may not be necessary.
Researchers are comparing different ways to help hospitals improve their practices.
The study doesn't involve new medicines or extra tests for patients.
Findings could help healthcare systems in the UK and worldwide be more efficient.
The goal is to ensure patients get exactly the care they need, nothing more, nothing less.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adult patients who are admitted to specific major trauma centres in the Canadian province of Quebec. These are hospitals that specialise in treating serious injuries, ranging from Level I (the most comprehensive) to Level III.

To be considered for the study, you would need to be treated at one of these participating trauma centres. If you were treated at a smaller hospital, often called a Level IV centre, you would not be included in this particular study, as these centres typically handle fewer complex injury cases.

In simple terms, if you're an adult patient, aged 16 or over, and receive care for an injury at certain larger Canadian trauma hospitals, you might be part of the group of patients whose care is being looked at in this study.

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 16 years old or older?
Were you treated for an injury?
Were you admitted to a major trauma centre?
Was this hospital located in the province of Quebec, Canada?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is different from many others because patients won't be actively involved in taking new medications or undergoing special additional tests just for the study. Instead, researchers are looking at the care that hospitals already provide.

The study is focused on how hospitals change their practices. Hospitals will either receive simple feedback on their current care, or they will get a more in-depth programme with feedback, educational materials, and virtual meetings to help them improve. The researchers will then look at existing hospital records to see if these methods help reduce unnecessary tests and procedures for patients. There are no extra visits, assessments, or follow-ups required from individual patients nor any direct patient contact from the study team. Your personal information will be protected and anonymised.

Potential risks and benefits

This study primarily aims to improve overall hospital care for injured patients rather than directly changing individual patient treatment. Potential benefits include improved healthcare efficiency, reduced exposure to unnecessary tests and their associated risks, and better use of resources for patients who need them most. Since it involves changes at the hospital level and not individual patient treatment, there are no direct physical risks to patients. Patients always have the right to decline any medical procedure they are offered, regardless of their hospital's participation in this study, and their care will not be affected. The study is ethical and does not involve making medical recommendations for individual patients.

Locations (1)

Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada

Common questions

What is 'low-value care'?

Low-value care refers to medical tests or treatments where the benefits don't clearly outweigh the potential harms, costs, or inconvenience for the patient.

Will I be given different treatment if my hospital is in this study?

No, you will receive the standard medical care your doctors deem appropriate. This study aims to help hospitals improve their practices overall, not to change your individual treatment plan directly.

How will my personal information be kept private?

The study will use information about patient care from existing hospital records. Your personal details will be kept confidential and anonymised so you cannot be identified.

Is this study happening in the UK?

This particular study is being done in trauma centres across Canada. However, the findings could help improve patient care in the UK and other countries too.

What is the main goal of this research?

The main goal is to find the best ways to help hospitals reduce unnecessary tests and procedures for injured patients, making healthcare safer and more efficient for everyone.

How to find out more

Lynne Moore, PhD

lynne.moore@fmed.ulaval.ca 4186490252 Official trial record

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