High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care: A Mixed-Methods Study (NCT07630012) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care: A Mixed-Methods Study
80 participantsStarted 2026-09-01
Plain-language summary
This study aims to understand the health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines analysis of non-patient-identifiable business intelligence data with qualitative interviews and co-production activities. The business intelligence data contextualises patterns of high intensity service use and informs participant identification. Qualitative interviews will explore the personal, social and system-level factors that contribute to frequent attendance. Co-production activities with an advisory group, supported by The Lantern Trust in Weymouth, will use these findings to develop a preventative intervention model grounded in lived experience. The study will recruit up to 50 patients, up to 10 carers and up to 20 health and social care professionals. The findings will contribute to the development of more effective, person-centred approaches to supporting people who frequently use urgent and emergency care services and will inform national and local policy in this area.
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.
Inclusion Criteria:
Adults aged 18 or over who have been identified as experiencing high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services at University Hospitals Dorset, defined as five or more unplanned contacts within a 12-month period Adults aged 18 or over who provide unpaid care or support to someone who experiences high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services Health and social care professionals aged 18 or over involved in urgent and emergency care pathways at University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Council or voluntary sector partner organisations Able to provide informed consent Willing to take part in an audio-recorded interview-
Exclusion Criteria:
Under 18 years of age Unable to provide informed consent Currently experiencing an acute mental health crisis requiring immediate clinical intervention Known history of violence or aggression towards health and social care professionals Currently receiving inpatient treatment at the time of recruitment No direct involvement in urgent and emergency care pathways at the participating organisations (professionals only)
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
1
Health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset