Government report: One in five Medicare patients suffers an adverse event while receiving post-acute

Two research organizations* are teaming up for a major study to reduce the number of fall-related injuries among seniors.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the National Institute on Aging will conduct the multi-year study, which will be funded through a PCORI commitment of up to $30 million. 

Although the study will focus on non-institutionalized seniors, the researchers have called on long-term caregivers —provider groups as well as individual doctors, nurses and therapists — to submit information to help develop the project.

Groups such as the American Geriatrics Society have already developed fall prevention protocols, but a lack of care coordination has hampered success, according to PCORI and NIA. As healthcare reform ushers in accountable care organizations, patient-centered medical homes and other coordinated delivery and payment models, now is a good time to undertake this trial, the organizations stated.

“The partnership with PCORI brings the clinical and patient communities together with experts in biomedical research, which will enable us to develop and support a large clinical trial with outcomes that can be translated and implemented in a real-world setting,” said NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D.

Input on the project will be accepted through July 9. Click here to respond.

*Editor’s Note: The article originally identified these as government organizations. Although PCORI was authorized through the Affordable Care Act, it was established as a private nonprofit. PCORI will contribute up to $30 million for this project, not a minimum of $30 million, as the article originally stated.