Improving pneumonia diagnosis in older adults in emergency departments
Establishing and Implementing Pneumonia Diagnosis in ED Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach
This study is looking to improve how doctors diagnose pneumonia in older adults visiting the emergency room, so they can get the right treatment faster and feel better sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898041 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the accuracy of pneumonia diagnosis in older adults (65 years and older) who visit emergency departments. It addresses the challenges faced by emergency physicians, such as atypical symptoms and inaccuracies in chest x-rays, which often lead to delayed treatment and worse outcomes. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study aims to develop better diagnostic tools and protocols that can differentiate between bacterial and viral pneumonia, especially in cases of co-infection. The goal is to ensure timely and appropriate care for older patients suffering from pneumonia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who present with symptoms of pneumonia in emergency departments.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without pneumonia symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate pneumonia diagnoses, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality rates in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that improving diagnostic accuracy in emergency settings can significantly enhance patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buck, Katherine Hunold — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Buck, Katherine Hunold
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.