Improving support for older adults and their caregivers after major surgery
Official title: Scalable Digital Communication Intervention to Support Older Adults and Care-partners Transitioning Home After Major Surgery
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10916336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making a helpful digital tool for older adults and their caregivers to make the move from the hospital to home easier and smoother after major surgery, so they can enjoy a better quality of life together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029454-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are scheduled to undergo major surgery and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing major surgery or who are younger than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and testing a digital communication tool designed to help older adults and their caregivers transition smoothly from hospital to home after major surgery. The project aims to integrate geriatric care principles into surgical practices, addressing the unique needs of older patients. Through interviews and collaboration with patients and healthcare providers, the team will develop content and strategies for effective implementation of this intervention. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their care-partners during this critical transition period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the recovery experience and overall quality of life for older adults after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital interventions can effectively support patient transitions and improve outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bitton, Asaf — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Bitton, Asaf
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.