Examining how critically ill patients are transferred between hospitals for better care.
Official title: Use of Inter-Hospital Transfer Services in Critical Illness and Acute Respiratory Failure
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10876987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study, led by Dr. Christopher Worsham, is looking at how well hospitals transfer critically ill patients with breathing problems and aims to find ways to make these transfers safer and more effective for better patient care and lower costs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,676 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HS029197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients who may require transfer to specialized intensive care units due to acute respiratory failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are stable and do not require inter-hospital transfer for their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the practices and effectiveness of inter-hospital transfer services for critically ill patients, particularly those experiencing acute respiratory failure. Led by Dr. Christopher Worsham, a pulmonologist and critical care physician, the project aims to analyze large datasets to understand how these transfers impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The study will utilize advanced methods of causal inference and decision science to evaluate the value of these critical care transport services. By collaborating with a team of experts, the research seeks to improve the decision-making process regarding patient transfers in critical care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved protocols for transferring critically ill patients, potentially enhancing their recovery and overall outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that optimizing inter-hospital transfer processes can significantly improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Worsham, Christopher Moore — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Worsham, Christopher Moore
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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.