Improving communication for older adults with serious injuries
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Scenario Planning for Older Adults with Serious Injury
This study is all about helping older adults with serious injuries or illnesses talk about their care options and what to expect, using a new tool that helps them and their families understand different possible outcomes, so they can make choices that fit their wishes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing communication for older adults facing serious injuries and life-limiting illnesses. It aims to develop and test a novel communication tool called Best Case/Worst Case-ICU, which uses scenario planning to help patients and their families understand potential care trajectories and outcomes. By providing clearer information about treatment options and prognosis, the study seeks to align medical care with patients' goals and preferences, ultimately improving decision-making in critical care settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced serious injuries and their surrogate decision-makers.
Not a fit: Patients who are not seriously injured or do not have life-limiting illnesses may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better alignment of medical care with patient goals, reducing unnecessary interventions and improving quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improved communication tools can enhance decision-making and patient satisfaction in critical care settings, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarze, Margaret — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Schwarze, Margaret
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.