Association Between Early Consultation by the Primary Care Physician After Hospitalization in Geriatric Medicine Department, and the Risk of Re-hospitalization at 1 and 3 Months
For older people, leaving hospital can be a tricky time, and unfortunately, many end up back in hospital quite soon after. Going back to hospital can be tough on patients and also costs a lot. This study wants to find out if having an early check-up with your family doctor (GP) within a month of leaving a geriatric hospital ward can help prevent you from needing to be re-admitted within three months. The researchers think that seeing your GP quickly might lead to better ongoing support and reduce the chances of you needing hospital care so soon again. They are looking at existing patient records to see if there's a link between these early GP visits and staying out of hospital longer. This could help make sure older patients get the right support after hospital care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people, especially older people, leave the hospital, there's a chance they might need to go back in again quite soon. This is known as 're-hospitalisation', and it's something doctors and healthcare systems are very keen to reduce. Needing to go back to hospital can be difficult for patients and their families, and it also puts a lot of pressure on hospitals and healthcare budgets.
Older people often have several health conditions that can become unstable after a hospital stay. Early follow-up after leaving hospital is generally recommended, but there's not a lot of clear information about how much these early check-ups truly help. This study is trying to fill that gap. The researchers want to see if having a check-up with your family doctor (GP) within a month of returning home from a geriatric ward (a hospital ward specialising in older people's care) can make a real difference in how many people need to go back to hospital within three months.
The idea is that seeing your GP early could help make sure that your recovery is on track, any new problems are caught quickly, and you have the support you need at home. If this study shows that early GP visits do help reduce re-hospitalisations, it could mean that these speedy check-ups become a more established part of care for older patients leaving hospital.
Key takeaways
- Looks at benefits of early GP visits after hospital.
- Focuses on older people (75+) leaving geriatric wards.
- Aims to see if early GP care reduces needing to come back to hospital.
- Uses existing patient records, no extra appointments needed.
- Could help improve future care for older patients.
- Does not involve any new treatments or procedures.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for patients who are 75 years old or older. You would have recently been in a geriatric ward at one of the hospitals taking part in the study. Importantly, after your hospital stay, you must have gone back home.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to be part of the study. If you don't have a family doctor (GP), or if you moved into a care home or other institution after leaving the hospital, you wouldn't be able to participate.
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?
- Did you recently stay in a hospital's geriatric ward?
- Did you go home after leaving the hospital?
- Do you have a regular family doctor (GP)?
- Did you *not* move into a care home or institution after leaving hospital?
What does participation involve?
This study involves looking at information from patient records. You wouldn't need to do anything extra, like attend special appointments, take new medications, or have any additional tests. Your participation would simply mean that the researchers use your existing medical data to see if there's a link between seeing your GP soon after hospital discharge and whether you needed to go back to hospital within three months. The study is focused on understanding patterns from past care, so there are no direct actions required from you if you were to take part.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Groupe Hospitalier Mutualiste de GrenobleVerified postcodeGrenoble, France· Recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes Site de VoironVerified postcodeVoiron, France· Not yet recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier Métropole SavoieVerified postcodeChambéry, France· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'geriatric ward'?
A geriatric ward is a hospital department that specialises in the care of older people, often focusing on their unique health needs.
Why is it important to prevent re-hospitalisation?
Preventing re-hospitalisation is good for patients because it means they can stay at home and continue their recovery, and it also helps hospitals manage their resources better.
Will I have to take any new medicine or change my routine?
No, this study only looks at existing medical records. You wouldn't have any changes to your treatment or daily routine as part of this study.
How long does this study last?
The study looks at outcomes up to three months after you leave hospital. Your participation would involve your medical data being included in the results for this period.
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes, all patient information used in studies like this is handled confidentially and anonymously, meaning your name and personal details are protected.
How to find out more
Emmanuel EJ Jarry, Dr. general medicine
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.