Improving communication to reduce unnecessary hospital transfers for nursing home residents with dementia

Reducing Avoidable Nursing Home-to-Hospital Transfers of Residents with ADRD: An Analysis of Interdisciplinary Team Communication using Text Messages

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11077425

This study is looking at how better communication among nursing home staff can help keep residents with Alzheimer's and related conditions from having to go to the hospital, making their care easier and less stressful.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11077425 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing communication among healthcare teams in nursing homes to prevent unnecessary hospital transfers for residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). By utilizing modern communication methods like text messaging, the study aims to facilitate timely decision-making and improve the management of health conditions that can be treated within the nursing home. The goal is to reduce the emotional and physical stress associated with hospital transfers, which can be harmful to vulnerable elderly residents. The research will analyze how effective communication can lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in nursing homes or do not have cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce avoidable hospitalizations, improving the quality of life for nursing home residents with dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improved communication methods can lead to better health outcomes in similar settings, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.