Investigating why treatment decisions vary for febrile infants at risk for serious infections

Using Small Area Variation Analysis to Investigate Sources of Practice Variation for Febrile Infants at Risk for Invasive Bacterial Infections

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11109456

This study is looking at how doctors make different choices when treating babies with fevers who might have serious infections, so we can find ways to improve their care and make sure all infants get the right treatment without unnecessary tests or treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109456 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the differences in clinical decisions made for febrile infants who are at risk for invasive bacterial infections. By analyzing practice variations, the study aims to identify the key factors that contribute to these differences, which can lead to either under-testing or over-treatment of infants. The principal investigator, Dr. Jeffrey Yaeger, will employ new methods to investigate these sources of variation and develop interventions to improve care quality and equity for affected infants. The ultimate goal is to enhance health outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs associated with these variations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are febrile infants who are at risk for invasive bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not febrile or do not have risk factors for invasive bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more consistent and effective treatment protocols for febrile infants, improving their health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing practice variation can lead to improved patient outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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 2026-06-13 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.