Helping older adults safely reduce their medications
Reducing High Risk Polypharmacy Using Behavioral Economics through Electronic Health Records
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11139399
This project explores new ways to help doctors reduce the number of risky medications older patients are taking, using smart prompts within their electronic health records.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11139399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many older adults take several medications, which can sometimes lead to harmful side effects like falls or other health problems. Current methods to help doctors reduce these risky medications haven't been very effective or are too expensive. This project suggests that doctors, like all people, can be influenced by small prompts or "nudges" that appear in their electronic health records. These nudges are designed to encourage doctors to consider whether certain medications are truly necessary for their older patients. The goal is to make medication use safer and more appropriate for older adults, especially those with memory issues, by making it easier for doctors to make better prescribing decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, who are taking multiple medications that might pose a high risk to their health.
Not a fit: Patients who are not older adults or who are not taking multiple high-risk medications would likely not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to fewer medication-related side effects, falls, and hospital visits for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts to reduce high-risk polypharmacy have had limited success, making this behavioral economics approach a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PERSELL, STEPHEN — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PERSELL, STEPHEN
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.