A digital tool to help older patients make informed decisions about implantable heart devices.
Official title: A Digital Shared Decision-Making Aid to Improve Patient-Centered Outcomes in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Decisions among Older Patients
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11049967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful online tool for older patients to make informed choices about getting an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), so they can better understand the benefits and risks and have meaningful conversations with their doctors about what’s best for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $718,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173578-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older patients aged 70 and above who are considering or have been recommended for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not considering an ICD or are younger than 70 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital shared decision-making aid to assist older patients in making informed choices regarding implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The tool aims to enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers by presenting personalized data about the benefits and risks associated with ICDs. By addressing the unique needs and values of older patients, the project seeks to ensure that decisions about ICD implantation align with their preferences and clinical needs. The approach is designed to reduce disparities in ICD use and improve overall patient-centered outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and appropriate use of ICDs, ultimately improving the quality of life and decision-making for older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar digital decision-making tools in other medical contexts, indicating potential for this approach in improving patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stafford, Randall Scott — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Stafford, Randall Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions
This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
-
NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Shared decision-making to prevent cancer in South Africa
A multi-level, school-based program in South Africa helps families, teachers, and health workers make informed choices to prevent cervical and related cancers, especially where HIV is common.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.