A tool to help veterans with dementia make decisions about emergency care.
A Shared Decision-Making Tool to Support Emergency Department Dispositions for Veterans with Dementia
This study is creating a helpful tool for veterans aged 65 and older with dementia to make better decisions during emergency room visits, so they, their caregivers, and doctors can talk about whether it's best to stay in the hospital or go home, all while keeping their needs and wishes in mind.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10974469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research develops a shared decision-making tool aimed at assisting veterans aged 65 and older with dementia during their visits to the emergency department. The tool will help healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers engage in meaningful conversations about whether to admit the patient to the hospital or discharge them home. By considering the values and preferences of patients and their caregivers, the tool seeks to improve the decision-making process in a setting where patients may struggle to communicate their needs. The goal is to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions while ensuring that patients receive appropriate care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who are living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have dementia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better decision-making in emergency care for veterans with dementia, potentially improving their health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that shared decision-making tools can improve patient outcomes in various medical settings, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seidenfeld, Justine — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Seidenfeld, Justine
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.