Improving hospital care for older adults using electronic health records.
Official title: Leveraging the EHR to Promote Age-Friendly Care in Hospitals (LEAF)
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11028478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve hospital care for older adults by using a new electronic health record system that helps doctors focus on what matters most for their health, like their thinking, medications, and ability to move around, to prevent problems like confusion and loss of function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $849,993 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG090487-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are admitted to hospitals and may be at risk of losing physical function or experiencing delirium during their stay.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who do not require hospitalization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the quality of hospital care for older adults by implementing an innovative electronic health record (EHR) system that focuses on maintaining cognitive and physical function. The project will utilize the 4Ms Framework, which emphasizes What Matters Most, Mentation, Medications, and Mobility, to reduce issues like delirium and functional decline in hospitalized seniors. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the team will create a user-friendly EHR navigator that consolidates essential geriatric assessments and information, making it readily accessible for healthcare providers during clinical decision-making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hospital experiences and outcomes for older patients, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and enhancing their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar frameworks for geriatric care can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, indicating a promising potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Southerland, Lauren T. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Southerland, Lauren T.
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.