Improving care for diverse patients with traumatic brain injury and their families
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of BETTER, A Transitional Care Intervention, for Diverse Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Their Families
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11030783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special program to help Black and Latino young adults, ages 18-64, who have had a mild to severe brain injury, making it easier for them to manage their health and daily life after leaving the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020818-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black and Latino younger adults aged 18-64 who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a traumatic brain injury or are outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a transitional care intervention designed to support Black and Latino younger adults aged 18-64 who have experienced mild-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to address the inequities these patients face in managing their health and daily activities due to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. By implementing a structured approach to transitional care, the research seeks to enhance coordination and continuity of healthcare as patients move from hospital to home. The methodology includes a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in improving patient quality of life and reducing caregiver strain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, particularly among underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in transitional care for other acute conditions has shown success in improving patient outcomes, suggesting potential for similar benefits in TBI care.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oyesanya, Tolu O. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Oyesanya, Tolu O.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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BETTER transitional care for adults with traumatic brain injury and their families
This project compares a coordinated transitional care program called BETTER to usual care to help adults (18+) with traumatic brain injury and their families manage recovery after leaving the hospital.
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AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
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How head injury affects the heart and blood vessels
This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
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Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury
This project tests a targeted brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans who have both alcohol use problems and mild traumatic brain injury improve daily functioning.
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How head injuries affect the heart and blood vessels
This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
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Keeping oxygen in the injured brain after severe head trauma
This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
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.