NIH-funded research R03 grant

Improving surgical decision-making for older adults at high risk

Official title: Multidisciplinary Surgical Decision Making for Older, High Risk Patients

Funded at Denver Research Institute · NIH-11013235 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how to help older adults and their caregivers make better decisions about high-risk surgeries by involving them in conversations with their healthcare team, so they can feel more supported and understood during the process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDenver Research Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Denver, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$127,612
NIH project number7R03AG082981-02
Project IDNIH-11013235 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are considering high-risk surgical procedures and their caregivers.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not facing high-risk surgeries or those who are not elderly may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the decision-making process for older adults facing high-risk surgeries by including them and their caregivers in multidisciplinary discussions. The approach involves analyzing communication practices among healthcare providers and assessing the impact of patient participation on surgical decisions. By focusing on shared decision-making, the study aims to create a more patient-centered environment that addresses the unique needs of older patients. The research will also identify key components that encourage healthcare provider engagement in these discussions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-informed surgical decisions and improved outcomes for older adults undergoing high-risk procedures.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that involving patients in decision-making processes can lead to improved satisfaction and outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Denver Research Institute
    Denver, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jones, Teresa S — Denver Research Institute
  • Study coordinator: Jones, Teresa S

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.