Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults in 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-11621206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study from Harvard Medical School compares how older adults near the end of life are cared for in the US and other top-income countries to understand differences and improve care.
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) | $25,082 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG058878-06A1S5 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults in the US and other high-income countries who experience serious illnesses and poor prognosis, and who may require end-of-life care decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not currently facing end-of-life decisions or with stable, non-life-limiting conditions.
What this research studies
This project uses international data and collaboration to examine end-of-life care patterns, treatment decisions, and outcomes for older adults with serious illnesses. Researchers build on the International Health Systems Research Collaborative to analyze where the US differs from peers and what practices may lead to better quality and value. The work is designed to inform policymakers and clinicians about ways to align care with patients’ goals and reduce unnecessary interventions, with a focus on older adults with poor prognoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide policies and clinical practices to improve comfort, alignment with patient wishes, and value of end-of-life care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior international comparisons have produced impactful publications (e.g., in JAMA, BMJ) and informed discussions on care intensity.
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.