Reducing the risk of falls and medication use in adults with COPD
Official title: Reducing Polypharmacy and Fall Risk for Multi-Morbid Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10913410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping adults with COPD stay safe and improve their quality of life by working with pharmacists to find ways to reduce medications that might make them more likely to fall, and it involves talking to patients, caregivers, and doctors to understand their experiences and needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,924 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL159239-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are currently taking medications that may increase their risk of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have COPD or are not taking any fall-risk increasing medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the safety and quality of life for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by addressing the use of medications that increase the risk of falls. The study will implement a pharmacist-led intervention aimed at reducing these high-risk medications through better communication and shared decision-making among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. By identifying the types of medications that contribute to fall risks and understanding the barriers to reducing their use, the research aims to create a safer medication regimen for patients. Interviews with patients, caregivers, and clinicians will help gather insights to inform this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce fall-related injuries and improve the overall quality of life for patients with COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that pharmacist-led interventions can effectively reduce the use of high-risk medications and improve patient outcomes, suggesting a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Cara Lyn — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Cara Lyn
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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.