Improving conversations about care goals for veterans with serious illnesses

Improving Implementation of Outpatient Goals of Care Conversations for Veteranswith Serious Illness

NIH-funded research VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-11086122

This study is all about helping veterans with serious illnesses talk about their care choices and what matters most to them, so they can make informed decisions about their treatment in a comfortable setting, rather than just in the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Eastern Colorado Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11086122 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the way veterans with serious illnesses discuss their care preferences and goals in outpatient settings rather than during hospital stays. It aims to implement the Life Sustaining Treatment Decisions Initiative (LSTDI) more effectively, ensuring that veterans can express their values and preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments. By utilizing an innovative study design, the research will identify strategies to facilitate these important conversations, ultimately improving the quality of care veterans receive. The goal is to empower veterans to make informed decisions about their treatment options in a supportive environment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with serious illnesses who are seeking to discuss their care preferences and goals.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those who do not have serious illnesses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better alignment of medical treatments with veterans' personal values and preferences, enhancing their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving communication about care goals can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Conditions CancersChronic Disease
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.