RecruitingObservational

Impact of having a long lie after a fall

This study investigates what happens when people, especially those over 65, fall and can't get up for a long time – often called a 'long lie'. This can lead to serious health issues like dehydration or muscle damage. With ambulance response times increasing, more people are left waiting longer, potentially worsening their health. While we know a lot about preventing falls, less is known about supporting people stuck on the floor or the actual effects of these long lies. This research aims to understand these experiences, analyse health data, estimate care costs, and gather insights from patients and staff. The goal is to develop better guidance and care for people after a fall, improving support while they wait for help.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Enrolment target

473

Start

24 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Specialty: Trauma and Emergency Care, Primary sub-specialty: Pre-hospital; Health Category: Disputed Aetiology and Other

What is this study about?

Imagine falling at home and not being able to get back up. For many older adults, this is a real concern. This study focuses on what happens when someone falls and stays on the floor for a long time, which experts call a 'long lie.' Many people over 65 fall each year, and a significant number can't get up on their own for an hour or more. This isn't just uncomfortable; it can lead to serious health problems like becoming very thirsty, getting pressure sores, or even damaging muscles.

Ambulance services are incredibly busy, and sometimes it takes longer for them to arrive. This means people might be on the floor for even longer, which could make their health worse. Current advice often focuses on things like hip fractures, but most fallers don't actually break a hip. Also, some advice, like not moving, might not be helpful if you're going to be on the floor for a while. This study wants to fill these gaps in our understanding.

The main goal of this research is to truly understand the experiences of people who have had a long lie after a fall and figure out the best ways to support them while they wait for help. The study will do this in several ways: by looking at anonymous NHS health records, reviewing hospital notes, and talking to healthcare staff (like those in ambulance services and care homes). Importantly, they also want to speak with patients and their carers to hear their personal stories and ideas. All this information will help create better guidelines and improve care for people after a fall.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on falls where people can't get up for a long time.
It aims to improve care and support for people waiting for help after a fall.
Researchers will use anonymous health data and interview patients, carers, and staff.
Participation involves 1-2 interviews, either by phone or online.
Participants receive a £25 shopping voucher for each interview.
The study hopes to create better guidelines for managing falls in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for specific groups of people to share their experiences. If you work in healthcare or social care and help people who have fallen and can't get up, especially in certain areas of the UK like the East of England, East Midlands, North East, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire, or South West, you might be able to take part. This includes home care workers, care home managers, and staff within ambulance services or community health teams.

They also really want to hear from individuals aged between 18 and 100 who have recently had a fall where they couldn't get up from the floor and needed help. If you've been through this, or if you're a carer for someone who has, your insights are very valuable.

Basically, if you've been directly involved, either as a professional or as a patient/carer, in the experience of someone being unable to get up after a fall and then calling for help, you might be eligible. The study is not open to people who haven't had this specific experience.

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 between 18 and 100 years old?
Have you recently fallen and been unable to get up off the floor?
Did you, or someone on your behalf, contact for help after the fall?
Are you a carer for someone who fits the above description?
Do you work in health or social care helping people who have fallen and can't get up in specific UK regions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are a staff member in a health or care organisation, you may be invited to take part in one interview. This interview will last about 30 to 40 minutes and can be done over the phone or online. You'll be asked about your experiences managing people who can't get up after a fall, any difficulties, and current strategies you use to help.

If you are someone who has recently fallen and couldn't get up, or if you are a carer for someone who had this experience, you would be invited to take part in two shorter interviews. Each interview will be about 30 minutes long and can also be done by phone or online. The first interview will happen soon after you join the study, and the second one will be 3 to 6 months later. You'll be sharing your personal experience of the fall and its aftermath.

All personal details will be kept private and all information you share will be made anonymous. As a thank you for your time, participants will receive a £25 shopping voucher for each interview they complete. Health and care professionals can also receive certificates for their ongoing professional development.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits for people taking part in this study. However, the information gathered is extremely important as it will help researchers understand how to improve guidance and care for people who fall and can't get up in the future. This could lead to better support from ambulance services, improved practices in care homes, and ultimately benefit many future patients. The main risk is the time commitment required for the interviews. You are free to stop participating at any time during the study without giving a reason.

Locations (15)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

North East Ambulance Service NHS Ft
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
City only
Wakefield, England
North West Ambulance Service NHSTrust
City only
Bolton, England
West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Brierley Hill, England
East Midlands Ambulance Service Trust Hq
City only
Nottingham, England
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Exeter, England
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bicester, England
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Crawley, England
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
City only
London, England
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
City only
Royston, England
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Unverified
St. Asaph, Wales
Scottish Ambulance Service
Unverified
Edinburgh, Scotland

Common questions

What is a 'long lie'?

A 'long lie' means someone has fallen and can't get up from the floor for a long time, often an hour or more, while waiting for help.

Who is funding this research?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major public research funder in the UK.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all personal details will be removed and handled confidentially, meaning your information will be anonymous.

Do I get anything for taking part?

Yes, individuals who complete an interview will receive a £25 high-street shopping voucher as a thank you for each interview.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by the University of Sheffield and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

How to find out more

Joanne Coster

j.e.coster@sheffield.ac.uk +44 (0)114 222 5454 Official trial record

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