NIH-funded research R03 grant

Improving communication for older adults facing major colorectal surgery

Official title: Exploring Best Communication Practices for Shared Decision Making in Older Adults Considering Major Colorectal Surgery

Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10977871 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about helping older adults, especially those 65 and up, make better decisions about major colorectal surgery by creating easy-to-use communication tools that address their specific health needs and concerns.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$308,000
NIH project number1R03AG089059-01
Project IDNIH-10977871 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who are considering major colorectal surgery.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 65 or those not facing major colorectal surgery may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing shared decision-making (SDM) practices for older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, who are considering major colorectal surgery. It aims to develop and evaluate communication tools that address the unique needs and concerns of frail older adults, especially regarding their functional and cognitive health. By identifying gaps in existing SDM tools, the research seeks to create resources that help patients and their families make informed decisions about surgical options and potential outcomes. The approach includes a scoping review of current tools and the development of new patient-centered resources tailored to this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-informed decisions and improved surgical outcomes for older adults undergoing major colorectal surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in improving shared decision-making practices in surgical contexts, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Poles, Gabriela — University of Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Poles, Gabriela

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.