CompletedNot Applicable

The Effect of Telehealth Ontario on Non-urgent Emergency Department Use at The Hospital for Sick Children

Canada115 participantsStarted 2004-03

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of non-urgent emergency department use between three groups of patients: those who were referred to the emergency department by Telehealth Ontario; those who were referred by a physician; and those who arrived without being advised by a nurse or a doctor.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Exclusion criteria

. Children arriving without an adult, as consent could not be obtained.
. Children with whose parents communication was not possible in English, as it was not possible to provide translation services for this study.
. Children arriving by direct transfer from another hospital.
. Children arriving by ambulance summoned by someone other than the parent or guardian.
. Children arriving at the ED for a pre-arranged visit/appointment.
. Children requiring immediate resuscitation.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The triage categories among patients who did or did not have contact with a health care professional prior to arrival in the ED.

Timeframe: At time of visit to the ED

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00625027

SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2006-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Emergency Department Visit trials