Culturally-informed Advance Care Planning for Alaska Native People
Official title: Jumpstarting Culturally-informed Advance Care Planning with ANAI People in Primary Care
Funded at Southcentral Foundation · NIH-11103249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project helps Alaska Native people with serious illnesses plan for their future healthcare in a way that respects their culture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southcentral Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anchorage, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $479,239 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020491-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are American Indian/Alaska Native people aged 55 and older who have chronic conditions and are seriously ill.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not American Indian/Alaska Native or who do not have serious chronic illnesses may not directly benefit from this specific culturally-tailored approach.
What this research studies
Many Alaska Native people face serious illnesses and could benefit from planning their future medical care. This project aims to create special tools and conversations for advance care planning that fit their cultural values and beliefs. We want to make it easier for individuals to discuss their wishes for end-of-life care with their doctors and families. By doing so, we hope to improve their comfort and ensure their care matches what matters most to them. This work will take place in primary care settings, making these important conversations more accessible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better quality of life, reduced stress for patients and families, and healthcare that truly aligns with patients' personal values and preferences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests that American Indian/Alaska Native people are willing to engage in advance care planning when given culturally appropriate access.
Where this research is happening
-
Southcentral Foundation
Anchorage, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Jennifer Lyn — Southcentral Foundation
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Jennifer Lyn
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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.