Improving decision-making for swallowing difficulties in ALS patients
Official title: Improving Shared Decision-Making Surrounding Dysphagia Management for Persons Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funded at Mgh Institute of Health Professions · NIH-11063965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people with ALS who have trouble swallowing by creating a helpful tool that guides them and their caregivers in making informed choices about feeding tubes, so they can feel more confident and satisfied with their decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mgh Institute of Health Professions NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,059 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NS123369-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ALS who are experiencing swallowing impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ALS who do not have swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the decision-making process for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who experience swallowing difficulties. It aims to develop a decision aid that helps patients and their caregivers understand the risks and benefits of feeding tube placement, a common concern as swallowing impairments can lead to serious complications. By promoting shared decision-making, the project seeks to align treatment options with patients' personal preferences and values, ultimately improving communication between patients and healthcare providers. The study will involve testing this decision aid to assess its effectiveness in increasing patient knowledge and satisfaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower ALS patients to make informed decisions about their care, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that shared decision-making tools can significantly improve patient outcomes in various medical contexts, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Mgh Institute of Health Professions
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Bridget J — Mgh Institute of Health Professions
- Study coordinator: Perry, Bridget J
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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.