What is this study trying to find out about functional impairment and frailty?

This study is evaluating a new approach to better identify and manage functional impairment and frailty in older Veterans receiving primary care. Researchers aim to improve how these issues are measured and addressed to support Veterans' independence and quality of life. The study is sponsored by the VA Office of Research and Development.

Who may be eligible for this functional impairment clinical trial?

Adults aged 60 years or older who are Veterans receiving care in VA primary care settings may be eligible. There is no gender restriction. Important factors include being seen in VA care after the study starts and not being younger than 60. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this functional impairment clinical trial?

Study-related care, including all screenings and assessments, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can expect regular visits as part of their usual VA care with added functional status evaluations.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 60Years +

All Genders

ID06404970

A Partnered Evaluation to Improve Identification and Management of Functional Impairment and Frailty for Older Veterans in VA Primary Care

Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-07-18

10000

Participants Needed

Research Sites

26 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a patient-centered, low-burden intervention designed to improve the measurement of functional status in older Veterans receiving care in VA primary care settings. Functional status refers to the ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, which is vital for quality of life and independence. The study aims to increase identification and management of functional impairment and frailty to inform better care and strategic planning for long-term services and supports. The intervention includes routine, standardized functional status measurement combined with nursing screening, follow-up assessments by primary care providers, electronic tools for screening and documentation, educational sessions for care teams, and tailored reports. The study begins with a 3-month run-in period using standard implementation strategies like champions and system-level audit and feedback. Sites with lower screening uptake will be randomly assigned to receive either continued standard strategies or enhanced strategies including technical assistance and clinician-level audit and feedback, followed by crossover and further standard implementation periods. Participants will be Veterans aged over 60 who receive care in VA primary care after the study starts. Researchers will monitor changes in screening reach, clinical effectiveness, adoption, fidelity, patient experience, and sustainability over 24 months. Data from electronic health records and functional status assessments will be collected regularly. The study measures outcomes at multiple time points up to two years to evaluate the impact of the intervention on managing functional impairment and frailty among older Veterans.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Partnered Evaluation to Improve the Identification and Management of Functional Impairment and Frailty Among Older Veterans in Primary Care Settings

Who Can Participate

Age: 60Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Veteran
Older than 60 years
Receiving care in Veterans Health Administration primary care after study implementation begins

You will not qualify if you...

Not a Veteran
Younger than 60 years
Not receiving care in Veterans Health Administration primary care after study begins

Research Team

Rebecca T Brown, MD MPH

Jason Prigge, BS MS

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