Understanding care fragmentation in older adults with dementia
iCAREFOR: Interhospital Care Fragmentation in Older Adults with Dementia
This study looks at how confusing or disconnected care affects older adults with Alzheimer's and similar conditions when they have to go back to the hospital, and it aims to find ways to make their care smoother and better by understanding how hospitals share information and what challenges healthcare workers face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906129 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how care fragmentation affects older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias when they are readmitted to different hospitals. It aims to analyze Medicare data to identify factors contributing to fragmented care, such as ambulance use and post-acute care facility residence. The study will also explore how information sharing between hospitals impacts patient outcomes and will gather insights from healthcare professionals about barriers to effective communication. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to improve continuity of care for this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who may experience hospital readmissions.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of dementia or those who do not experience hospital readmissions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved care coordination and better health outcomes for older adults with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that improving information sharing between healthcare settings can enhance patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turbow, Sara Diane — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Turbow, Sara Diane
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 below.