Reducing Unnecessary Tests Before Low-Risk Surgery

De-implementation of Low-Value Testing in Patients Undergoing Low-Risk Surgery

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11115656

This project aims to help patients avoid unnecessary medical tests before common, low-risk surgeries, making their care safer and more efficient.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many patients currently receive routine tests like EKGs, blood work, and X-rays before low-risk surgeries, even though these tests often don't improve outcomes and can sometimes lead to more procedures or delays. Our goal is to find and implement better ways for hospitals to reduce these unnecessary tests. We are developing a new, broad strategy to help hospitals across Michigan adopt practices that align with expert recommendations. This work could lead to safer care, fewer delays, and lower costs for patients undergoing surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project is relevant to patients who are preparing for or have recently undergone low-risk surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries or those with complex medical conditions requiring extensive preoperative evaluation may not directly benefit from this specific effort.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce patient harm, surgical delays, and financial burdens by eliminating tests that are not needed before low-risk procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While previous efforts have described the problem or tested limited strategies, this project aims to develop a new, broadly scalable approach to reduce unnecessary testing.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.