Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Rich Countries
Official title: Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across High-Income Countries: Implications for the U.S.
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11621204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using international data to understand how end-of-life care for older adults with poor prognoses differs across five high‑income countries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $29,767 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG058878-06A1S4 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621204 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with serious, life-limiting conditions who are near end-of-life and whose care trajectories may differ from those in other high-income countries.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not facing end-of-life decisions or without serious prognostic illness may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project compares how end-of-life care is delivered to older adults with serious illnesses in the US and other high‑income nations. It builds on a network (IHSRC) that tracks treatment patterns, utilization, and outcomes to identify why care varies and how to improve alignment with patient goals. The team uses large health data sources and collaborative analyses to highlight differences in practice, intensity, and costs near the end of life. Results could guide policymakers and clinicians toward care that better respects patient preferences and reduces unnecessary interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform policies and clinical practices to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of end-of-life care for older adults in the US.
How similar studies have gone: Prior international comparisons have produced high‑impact findings in major journals, indicating this approach can yield actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Landon, Bruce E. — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Landon, Bruce E.
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.