RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Outcomes of Patients Over 75 Years of Age Who Consulted the Emergency Department for a Medical Problem

This study focuses on patients aged 75 and over who visit an A&E department in Strasbourg, France, for a sudden medical issue. Researchers are looking into how older patients are managed in busy A&E departments, particularly when there aren't enough general hospital beds. Sometimes, these patients end up staying longer than intended in special 'short-stay' units, which were originally designed for very brief visits. The study aims to understand what happens to these older patients and whether current practices are the best for their care, especially since they can be more vulnerable. It specifically looks at patients who need to be admitted to a regular hospital ward, not those who go home or need intensive care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

13 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Acute Medical Problem

What is this study about?

Imagine you, or someone you care about who is over 75, suddenly feels unwell and needs to go to A&E. This study is all about understanding what happens to older patients like this when they arrive at an A&E department with a sudden medical problem.

Our hospitals, especially A&E, are getting busier all the time. Sometimes, there aren't enough regular hospital beds available. Because of this, hospitals have created units called 'short-stay units'. These were originally meant for patients who need to be observed for a very short time, usually less than 24 hours, before going home.

However, what's happening now is that these short-stay units are often being used for patients who really need a proper hospital bed but can't get one because the hospital is full. This can be particularly tough for older patients, who are often more vulnerable and might need more consistent care. This study is trying to understand the effects of these changes on older patients, to see if they are getting the best care possible given these challenges.

Key takeaways

Looks at older patients (75+) visiting A&E with sudden medical issues.
Focuses on how busy A&E departments manage these patients when hospital beds are limited.
Investigates the role and impact of 'short-stay units' on older patient care.
Aims to improve future A&E care for vulnerable older people.
Uses existing, anonymised patient records from 2019 in Strasbourg, France.
No direct patient participation or new treatments involved.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for information from people who are 75 years old or older. You would have visited the A&E department in Strasbourg, France, during 2019 because you suddenly became unwell with a medical problem, not something that needed surgery.

Importantly, for your information to be included, the doctors must have felt that you needed to be admitted to a regular hospital ward. This means they thought you needed more care than could be given in A&E, but not so much that you needed to go to an intensive care unit. Also, you must not have passed away while still in A&E before being admitted to a ward, and you wouldn't have been visiting A&E for a hospital stay that was already planned.

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 aged 75 or older?
Did you go to A&E in Strasbourg (Hautepierre or NHC) during 2019?
Was it for a sudden, non-surgical medical problem?
Were you told you needed to be admitted to a regular hospital ward?
Did you not pass away in A&E before being admitted?
Was it not for a hospital stay you had already planned?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study isn't asking you to do anything or receive any new treatments. It's a 'retrospective' study, meaning researchers are looking back at existing medical records and information from patients who went to A&E in 2019. Your personal information would be kept private. You wouldn't need to visit the hospital again, take any medication, or have any follow-up appointments connected to this study. The study uses information that has already been collected as part of your routine care, so it doesn't involve any extra steps for you.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only looks at existing, anonymised patient records, there are no direct physical risks to you. Your personal information will be protected. You won't gain any direct medical benefit from being part of this study. However, the information gathered could help doctors and hospitals understand and improve how older patients are cared for in A&E departments in the future, which could benefit many people. You always have the right to ask for your de-identified information to be removed from the study if you change your mind, though typically for retrospective studies using anonymised data, this is handled through ethical review boards ensuring patient privacy from the outset.

Locations (1)

Service de Soins de Soins Médicaux et de Réadaptation - Réanimation - CHU de Strasbourg - France
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of medical problem does this study look at?

It looks at patients who had a sudden (acute) medical problem, like an infection or heart issue, not something needing surgery.

Do I need to do anything if I fit the study criteria?

No, this study looks at past patient records. You don't need to do anything or visit the hospital for it.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, researchers only use information that keeps your identity private and confidential. Your name and other personal details are not used.

Will I get any special treatment if I'm in this study?

No, this study is about understanding past care. It doesn't offer any new treatments or change the care you receive.

Why is this study important?

It helps medical staff understand how their A&E services are working for older, more vulnerable patients, and how they might be improved in the future.

How to find out more

Alexandre BOUSSUGE, MD

alexandre.boussuge@chru-strasbourg.fr 33 3 88 11 54 61 Official trial record

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