A tool to help family members make decisions for critically ill elderly patients
Randomized Trial of a Scalable, Interactive Tool to Support Surrogate Decision-makers of Elderly Critically Ill Patients
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-10831449
This study is creating a helpful online tool for family members who make important healthcare decisions for elderly loved ones in intensive care, making it easier for them to cope with their feelings and communicate with doctors to ensure the care matches what their loved ones would want.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10831449 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing an interactive web-based tool designed to support family members who act as surrogate decision-makers for elderly patients in intensive care units. The tool aims to help surrogates navigate the emotional and psychological challenges they face while making critical healthcare decisions. By improving communication between families and healthcare providers, the research seeks to ensure that treatment aligns with the patients' values and preferences. The project builds on previous findings to create a scalable intervention that can be implemented in various healthcare settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly patients in intensive care units whose family members are acting as surrogate decision-makers.
Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or do not have family members involved in decision-making may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better decision-making for critically ill elderly patients, ensuring their treatment preferences are honored and potentially reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar decision-support tools, indicating a promising approach to improving family decision-making in critical care settings.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WHITE, DOUGLAS B — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: WHITE, DOUGLAS B
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 below.