A Protected Discharge Model Using Technology in Multimorbid and Poly-treated Older Subjects

Development and Validation of a Protected Discharge Model Using Technology in Multimorbidity and Poly-treated Older Subjects. The PRO-HOME Study

The main goal of thi clinical trial is to evaluate if a protected discharge model can reduce the length of hospital stay in older participants aged over 65 years old who have been admitted to the hospital for an acute event and have been considered stable and dischargeable. Participants of the intervention group will be asked to transfer to a small apartment, inside the hospital setting, equipped by technological devices and to be involved in cognitive and physical activities during the stay. Researchers will compare this intervention group with a control group who receive normal clinical practice where older people remain in the hospital ward.

Participants who fit the inclusion criteria are randomized in two arms (intervention or control groups). All of them are evaluated with a comprehensive geriatric assessment (Multidimensional Prognostic Index), a depression scale (Geriatric Depression Scale), quality of Life scale (Short-Form 12 items), and physical parameters (Hand Grip, Short Physical Performance Battery, gait speed). In the intervention group the following clinical parameters will be collected through technological devices: spontaneous physical performance, sleep monitoring, gait speed, quality of movements, heart rate, SpO2, and other vital parameters.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. participants aged 65 years or older;
2. admitted to the acute geriatric units for an acute event;
3. deemed stable and dischargeable from the hospital;
4. good personal autonomy in the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (according to the Katz ADL scoring≥ 3/6);
5. normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) ≤ 5/10);
6. signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. participants aged less than 65 years old
2. not considerable stable and dischargeable
3. ADL <3/6
4. SPMSQ > 5/10
5. not signed informed consent