NIH-funded research R01 grant

Helping parents make decisions about hypospadias care

Official title: A type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of a parent-centered tool to promote shared decision-making in hypospadias care

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11175523 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project is testing a new online tool to help parents of boys with hypospadias feel more confident and informed when deciding on treatment options.

More Decision Making research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startAugust 22, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$670,065
NIH project number5R01DK140178-02
Project IDNIH-11175523 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Parents of newborn boys diagnosed with hypospadias who are facing treatment decisions would be ideal candidates.

Less likely to help

Parents who have already made treatment decisions for their child's hypospadias may not directly benefit from this tool.

What this research studies

Hypospadias is a common birth defect where the urethra opens on the underside of the penis, and parents often struggle with treatment decisions, sometimes leading to regret. Our team developed an online tool called the Hypospadias Hub to provide clear information and support shared decision-making. We are now conducting a larger comparison to see if using this tool helps parents feel better about their choices and understand hypospadias care more deeply. We will also learn what makes it easier or harder for clinics to use this tool in the future.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could help parents of boys with hypospadias make more informed treatment decisions and experience less regret.

How similar studies have gone: This specific tool has been developed and pilot-tested by the research team, showing promising initial results.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schilling, Samantha S — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Schilling, Samantha S

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Hypospadias decision support tool to help families make choices

    A parent-centered tool helps families make better, more confident decisions about hypospadias treatment for their child.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11370695

  • A tool to help parents make decisions about hypospadias care for their children

    This study is looking to help parents of boys with hypospadias make better decisions by using a helpful tool called the Hypospadias Hub, which aims to make conversations with doctors clearer and more supportive.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-10938970

  • Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions

    This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.

    NIH research Michigan State University · East Lansing, United States · NIH-9949982

  • NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan

    A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.

    NIH research Aga Khan University (Pakistan) · Karachi, Pakistan · NIH-11624823

  • Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices

    This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11620311

  • Shared decision-making to prevent cancer in South Africa

    A multi-level, school-based program in South Africa helps families, teachers, and health workers make informed choices to prevent cervical and related cancers, especially where HIV is common.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11603112

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.