Refining frailty checks to ensure fair breast cancer screening ratings
Official title: Refining Frailty Identification in Quality Metrics: Validating the HEDIS Frailty Definition Against the Clinical Frailty Measure
Funded at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · NIH-11282984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A health study checks whether a current frailty rule used for Medicare cancer screening quality is accurate and how changing it could affect ratings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $437,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098042-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11282984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage who have frailty or are being assessed for frailty.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without frailty or those not covered by Medicare Advantage may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project compares the frailty definition used in CMS quality metrics with standard clinical frailty assessments to see if older adults who are frail are being inappropriately excluded from breast and colorectal cancer screening assessments. Researchers will use national aging study data linked to Medicare records and a sample of Medicare Advantage data to analyze accuracy and potential changes in star ratings. The goal is to ensure that screening quality measures reflect real health status and do not unjustly penalize care for older adults with frailty.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to more accurate quality ratings and better alignment between patient health goals and screening decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored frailty definitions, but validating against clinical measures and examining rating impacts is a novel step.
Where this research is happening
-
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Chan Mi — Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
- Study coordinator: Park, Chan Mi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating frailty and aging in childhood cancer survivors
This study is looking at childhood cancer survivors to see how they might face health challenges similar to older adults as they grow up, and it aims to find ways to help them stay strong and healthy by exploring treatments that could improve their well-being.
-
Exercise-based frailty program for people awaiting lung transplants
A tailored exercise and lifestyle program is being tested to reduce frailty and improve outcomes for people waiting for a lung transplant.
-
AI-enabled bone aging and frailty markers in osteoporosis using advanced imaging
A clinician-scientist is using artificial intelligence with CT scans and epigenetics to better understand early bone aging and osteoporosis in adults.
-
Adapting an evidence-based workout program to slow frailty in older women living with HIV
A new program will tailor a proven physical activity plan to help older women with HIV stay stronger, more mobile, and less frail.
-
Time-restricted eating for fatigue and frailty in people with cancer
A 12-week study will test whether eating within a daily 10-hour window helps reduce fatigue and slow frailty in people living with advanced cancer.
-
Functioning, Frailty, and Well-being in aging women
A large NIH grant is funding a study to understand how aging affects physical and mental functioning in women, with the goal of helping maintain independence and quality of life.
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.