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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2005

Open Access 01-12-2005 | Study protocol

The design of the Dutch EASYcare study: a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of a problem-based community intervention model for frail elderly people [NCT00105378]

Authors: René JF Melis, Monique IJ van Eijken, George F Borm, Michel Wensing, Eddy Adang, Eloy H van de Lisdonk, Theo van Achterberg, Marcel GM Olde Rikkert

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2005

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Abstract

Background

Because of their complex clinical presentations and needs frail elderly people require another approach than people who age without many complications. Several inpatient geriatric health services have proven effectiveness in frail persons. However, the wish to live independently and policies that promote independent living as an answer to population aging call for community intervention models for frail elderly people. Maybe models such as preventive home visits, comprehensive geriatric assessment, and intermediate care qualify, but their efficacy is controversial, especially in frail elderly persons living in the community. With the Dutch EASYcare Study Geriatric Intervention Programme (DGIP) we developed a model to study effectiveness of problem based community intervention models in frail elderly people.

Methods/Design

DGIP is a community intervention model for frail elderly persons where the GP refers elderly patients with a problem in cognition, mood, behaviour, mobility, and nutrition. A geriatric specialist nurse applies a guideline-based intervention with a limited number of follow up visits. The intervention starts with the application of the EASYcare instrument for geriatric screening. The EASYcare instrument assesses (instrumental) activities of daily life, cognition, mood, and includes a goal setting item. During the intervention the nurse regularly consults the referring GP and a geriatrician. Effects on functional performance (Groningen Activity Restriction Scale), health related quality of life (MOS-20), and carer burden (Zarit Burden Interview) are studied in an observer blinded randomised controlled trial. 151 participants were randomised over two treatment arms – DGIP and regular care – using pseudo cluster randomisation. We are currently performing the follow up visits. These visits are planned three and six months after inclusion. Process measures and cost measures will be recorded. Intention to treat analyses will focus on post intervention differences between treatment groups.

Discussion

The design of a trial evaluating the effects of a community intervention model for frail elderly people was presented. The problem-based participant selection procedure satisfied; few patients that the GP referred did not meet our eligibility criteria. The use of standard terminology makes detailed insight into the contents of our intervention possible using terminology others can understand well.
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Metadata
Title
The design of the Dutch EASYcare study: a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of a problem-based community intervention model for frail elderly people [NCT00105378]
Authors
René JF Melis
Monique IJ van Eijken
George F Borm
Michel Wensing
Eddy Adang
Eloy H van de Lisdonk
Theo van Achterberg
Marcel GM Olde Rikkert
Publication date
01-12-2005
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-5-65

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