Investigating how biases affect predictions of recovery in cardiac arrest patients

Addressing an inherent bias in neuroprognostication: A collaboration between the US and Brazil to reduce the impact of Self-fulfilling Prophecy in cardiac ARrEst (SPARE)

NIH-funded research Boston Medical Center · NIH-11013382

This study is looking to help doctors make better decisions about life support for people who survive cardiac arrest by comparing how long treatments are given in the US and Brazil, so they can better understand who might recover and who might not.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013382 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the accuracy of predicting neurological outcomes in survivors of cardiac arrest by addressing biases that can lead to premature decisions about life support. It will compare practices in the US and Brazil, where cultural differences affect how long life-sustaining treatments are maintained. By observing patients in Brazil, where life support is often continued longer, researchers hope to gather unbiased data on recovery potential. The study will utilize various assessment tools, including neurological exams and imaging, to identify true predictors of recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived a cardiac arrest and are undergoing assessment for neurological recovery.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a cardiac arrest or those with irreversible neurological damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of recovery for cardiac arrest survivors, potentially improving their chances of receiving appropriate care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing biases in medical prognostication can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.