SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Predicting Fall Risk With a Quantitative-Timed-Up-and-Go (Qtug) Test

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This presentation described a pilot study using a digital Timed Up and Go (QTUG) test to predict fall risk in hospitalized cardiac patients before discharge. Falls are a major cause of injury in older adults, and patients with cardiovascular disease—especially heart failure or arrhythmia—have elevated fall risk. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of integrating QTUG into routine inpatient care, identify barriers and facilitators to its use, and explore whether QTUG risk estimates relate to post-discharge outcomes such as emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmissions.<br /><br />The study enrolled 51 English-speaking adults age 60+ on Massachusetts General Hospital cardiology units who could ambulate independently. Participants completed a mobility questionnaire and performed the QTUG test using wireless sensors on the shins while walking and turning over a 6-meter course. They were also contacted after discharge to assess falls, ED visits, and readmissions.<br /><br />Key findings showed that many participants had substantial fall risk or mobility impairment. Among the 51 patients, 45–51% were classified as high or very high falls risk depending on the cutoffs used, and many had elevated speed and turn scores. Post-discharge outcomes suggested some relationship between risk level and clinical events, though results were mixed and analysis was ongoing. In one set of results, 15.7% of participants had an ED visit or readmission within 30 days. In another breakdown, 25% of those with very high/high fall risk and 37.5% with medium risk had an ED visit or readmission.<br /><br />The authors concluded that QTUG may be a useful tool to support discharge planning and identify patients who could benefit from additional fall prevention or rehabilitation, but larger studies are needed. Limitations included a single-site sample and exclusion of non-English-speaking patients.

Asset Subtitle

Jocelyn A. Carter

Meta Tag

Author List Ally Manyak, Chiamaka Chukwu, Jocelyn A. Carter, Natalia Swack

Category Research

Concept Timed Up and Go Test

Concept Quantitative Timed Up and Go

Concept Fall Risk

Concept Frailty

Concept Feasibility

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Massachusetts General Hospital

Presenting Author Jocelyn A. Carter

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

QTUG

Timed Up and Go

fall risk

cardiac patients

hospital discharge

mobility assessment

older adults

emergency department visits

hospital readmissions

fall prevention

Timed Up and Go Test

Quantitative Timed Up and Go

Fall Risk

Frailty

Feasibility