ALERT-ED: Awareness and Linkage to Resources for At-Risk Emergency Department Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called ALERT-ED, is focused on helping older adults who are at high risk of falling. Falls are a common reason why older people visit the emergency room, and many end up returning after another fall. Although there are programs that can reduce falls by about 30%, many older adults don’t know these resources exist. In this study, patients who come to the emergency room and are found to be at high risk for falls will receive an automated notification explaining their fall risk and information about nearby fall prevention programs. The goal is to see if this simple, automatic alert can help people stay safer and avoid future falls.

To be part of the study, patients need to be 65 years or older and identified as high risk for falls during their emergency room visit. Those who agree to participate will receive messages about their fall risk and referrals to programs designed to help prevent falls. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but if successful, this approach could be used to help patients with other health concerns in the future. Importantly, patients must agree to a follow-up interview to take part in the study. This trial aims to make it easier for patients and their families to get the support they need to stay safe after an emergency room visit.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 65 years or older
• • Screens high risk falls on the Geriatric Fall assessment tool (as shown in protocol and used as standard practice in study ED)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Does not consent to follow up interview