Evaluating Acute Medical Unit Care Versus General Ward Care for Adults With Acute Medical Illnesses in Singapore Focusing on Hospital Stay Length, Emergency Visits, Health Quality, and Costs

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates how different hospital care models affect adults with acute medical illnesses such as infections, falls, and worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. It aims to understand who benefits most from the Acute Medical Unit AMU model, how to best implement it, and how effective it is compared to usual hospital care. Researchers will compare these care approaches by looking at hospital stay length, emergency department use, patient health quality, and costs. Participants include adults admitted either directly to the AMU from the Emergency Department or admitted to General Wards as a control group matched by diagnosis, age, gender, illness severity, and other health factors. The AMU provides rapid assessment and early intervention designed to improve care efficiency. The study observes patients from admission and compares outcomes between those receiving care in the AMU model versus usual ward care. During the study, researchers will collect data on hospital bed use up to six months after discharge. They will also assess patient health and quality of life at discharge and at three and six months afterward using several questionnaires and measures, including the EQ-5D-5L, Patient Activation Measure, wellbeing scale, depression screening, and functional independence. Emergency visits, outpatient clinic use, polyclinic visits, and hospital readmissions will also be tracked. The total participation period extends to six months following hospital discharge.

Potential of Interface Care Models to Deliver More Appropriate Care to Patients With Acute Medical Illness