Targeted EHR-based Communication of Diagnostic Uncertainty in the ED
Official title: Targeted EHR-based Communication of Diagnostic Uncertainty (TECU) in the ED: An Effectiveness Implementation Trial
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11424515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing project that uses the electronic health record to help doctors talk with ED patients about uncertainty when a diagnosis isn’t final yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $492,811 |
| NIH project number | 5R18HS029791-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients discharged from the ED with diagnostic uncertainty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients discharged with a final diagnosis and high certainty may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
In the emergency department, many patients are discharged before a definite diagnosis is known. This project uses the EHR to trigger a structured discharge conversation, provide a patient information sheet, and print clinician guidance to improve safety and understanding after discharge. The approach builds on previous tools and adds automated steps to ensure consistent communication whenever uncertainty is present. By supporting clearer dialogue and documented handouts, it aims to reduce miscommunication during high-risk care transitions. The work is designed to be integrated into routine ED workflow at Jefferson Health, with outcomes measured in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients will receive clearer information at discharge and better guidance for next steps, potentially reducing readmissions and anxiety after leaving the ED.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed that communication tools can improve discharge quality; this project tests an integrated EHR-based system.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rising, Kristin Laura — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Rising, Kristin Laura
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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.