Understanding end-of-life decisions, including Medical Aid in Dying, and their impact on patients, caregivers, and clinicians
Decision trajectories of patients at the end of life: An epidemiological exploration of MAID and the impact on caregivers and clinicians
This project wants to learn more about the choices seriously ill patients make at the end of life, especially regarding Medical Aid in Dying, and how these decisions affect them, their families, and their doctors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When facing a serious illness, patients have many important decisions to make about their medical care, from aggressive treatments to comfort-focused options. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is now legal in several states, but we don't fully understand patients' experiences with this choice, especially as they age. This project will follow patients considering MAID, along with their caregivers and clinicians, to gather information about their experiences and outcomes. We hope to better understand the factors that lead to using MAID and the emotional impact on everyone involved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be seriously ill patients who are pursuing Medical Aid in Dying, along with their family caregivers and involved clinicians.
Not a fit: Patients who are not facing advanced serious illness or are not considering Medical Aid in Dying would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help improve support and guidance for patients, caregivers, and clinicians navigating complex end-of-life decisions, including Medical Aid in Dying.
How similar studies have performed: The project highlights a current lack of research in this area, indicating that this approach is novel and aims to fill critical gaps in understanding.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischer, Stacy M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Fischer, Stacy M
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.