Mobility as a predictor in hospitalised older adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mobility as a predictor of discharge destination in acutely hospitalised older adults: A mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
351934
Contact name
Catherine Wharfe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Portsmouth
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
osf.io/q46fb, Open Science Framework (OSF) Registry Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why?
This research addresses the question: “How, and to what extent, can mobility be used to predict discharge destination in acutely hospitalised older adults?”
This is of relevance and importance to the public as around two-thirds of NHS inpatient beds are occupied by those aged over 65 years. This population often present with frailty, and multiple health conditions and care needs; resulting in complex discharge processes and longer hospital stays. Prolonged hospital stay poses significant risks, including hospital-associated disability, readmission, and mortality. The social and economic implications of frailty cost wider UK health systems £5.8 billion annually. NHS audits suggest 50% of delays are hospital-related, partly due to poor discharge planning processes.What?
Mobility (defined as the ability to move, with or without assistance or assistive devices), is a crucial factor in healthcare professionals’ decision-making processes regarding the care needs of hospitalised older adults. Understanding whether mobility scores, taken from the initial therapy assessment, can predict discharge destination in older adults could have significant implications for clinical practice and potentially improve outcomes for this population.Who would be eligible?
Older adults consecutively admitted from their own home to acute care of the elderly wards, who have the capacity to give informed consent to being included in the trial.Where?
The study will take place across 4 care of the elderly wards at Broomfield hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.How?
This is a mixed-methods study that will take place over 1 year. Quantitative methods will investigate the predictive value of 4 commonly used mobility tools, and other routinely collected variables, in relation to discharge destination. Additionally, qualitative methods will explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of using mobility to predict discharge destination in hospitalised older adults; providing insight into the feasibility and utility of these tools in routine clinical practice.REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
25/WA/0128
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion