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NCT Number: NCT07738666

State of Knowledge Among Nurses Regarding the Screening for Orthostatic Hypotension in Elderly Individuals in Acute Geriatric Medicine and Medical and Rehabilitation Services

Orthostatic hypotension is a common geriatric syndrome associated with an increased risk of falls, syncope, functional decline and mortality in older adults. Current European recommendations provide standardized procedures for its detection, including blood pressure measurements in the supine and standing positions at specific time intervals.

Despite these recommendations, variability in clinical practice and potential gaps in healthcare professionals' knowledge may limit effective screening. The aim of this study is to assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding orthostatic hypotension screening within the geriatric department of Hôpital NOVO.

The study hypothesis is that nurses' knowledge and practices regarding orthostatic hypotension screening are heterogeneous and may differ from current recommendations.

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Key information

Conditions

Orthostatic Hypotension Autonomic Nervous System Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Hypotension Hypotension, Orthostatic Nervous System Diseases Orthostatic Intolerance Primary Dysautonomias Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

About this study

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg and/or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg occurring within three minutes of standing. It is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes including falls, syncope, hospitalization, loss of autonomy and increased mortality.

Recent recommendations from the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) emphasize the importance of systematic screening for orthostatic hypotension in older adults and other at-risk populations. These recommendations also describe standardized measurement procedures, including blood pressure assessment after a period of rest in the supine position followed by measurements after standing at defined time points.

Although these recommendations are available, several studies suggest that orthostatic hypotension remains underdiagnosed in routine clinical practice. Inadequate knowledge of diagnostic criteria, inconsistent measurement techniques and variability in screening indications may contribute to this under-recognition.

The present study is a monocentric observational study conducted within the geriatric department of Hôpital NOVO. It aims to describe nurses' knowledge and self-reported practices regarding orthostatic hypotension screening.

Data will be collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire developed from current recommendations. The questionnaire explores three domains: theoretical knowledge of orthostatic hypotension, practical aspects of blood pressure measurement, and clinical situations prompting screening.

The results of this study will help identify potential knowledge gaps and areas for improvement in clinical practice. Findings may support the development of targeted educational interventions, standardized protocols and quality improvement initiatives to enhance the detection of orthostatic hypotension in older adults.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • State-registered nurses
  • Working in the Acute Geriatric Medicine department (Pontoise site), or in the Medical Care and Rehabilitation department (SMR: Marines or Pontoise sites) of NOVO Hospital

Exclusion criteria

  • Patient refusal

Treatment and study plan

Administration of questionnaires on nurses' knowledge of orthostatic hypotension, its measurement, diagnosis and management

Other

Administration of questionnaires on nurses' knowledge of orthostatic hypotension, its measurement, diagnosis and management

Primary outcomes

  1. Assessment of the knowledge level of nurses working in geriatrics regarding orthostatic hypotension

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

    The nurses' level of knowledge will be assessed using a questionnaire which they will complete either in person or online via the secure Microsoft Forms platform.

    This questionnaire consists of 3 parts: - Definition of orthostatic hypotension (Question 2.1) - Measurement methods (Question 3) - Diagnostic criteria (Questions 2.2 and 2.3)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Evaluate the influence of the nurse's experience on their knowledge regarding the screening for orthostatic hypotension in the elderly.

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

    Nurses' knowledge will be assessed using the study-specific questionnaire developed from current European recommendations on orthostatic hypotension screening. Professional experience will be assessed by self-reported years of practice as a registered nurse. The association between questionnaire responses and years of professional experience will be analyzed.

  2. Evaluate the influence of experience in geriatrics on the RN's knowledge regarding the screening for orthostatic hypotension in the elderly.

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

    Nurses' knowledge will be assessed using the study-specific questionnaire. Experience in geriatric care will be assessed by self-reported years of practice in geriatric settings. The association between questionnaire responses and years of experience in geriatrics will be analyzed.

  3. Compare the level of knowledge between RNs working in acute geriatric care (AGC) and in long-term care (SMR)

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

    Nurses' knowledge will be assessed using the study questionnaire. Questionnaire responses will be compared between nurses working in acute geriatric care and those working in geriatric rehabilitation (SMR).

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Mathilde WLODARCZYK

CONTACT

[email protected]

0130754650

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hôpital NOVO

Other

Registry information

Acronym: HTO-IDE

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 31, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 31, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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