Understanding Experiences with Implantable Defibrillators in Older Adults

Prospective Investigation of Palliative and End-of-Life ExpeRiences with ICDs (PIPER-ICD) Study

['FUNDING_R01'] · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11137829

This project gathers information from older adults with implanted defibrillators to help improve decisions about their long-term care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11137829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many older adults receive implanted defibrillators, but there isn't enough information to guide important decisions about these devices later in life. This project will follow 1200 older patients with defibrillators at five different medical centers. We will collect data on their health, quality of life, and device activity over several years. The goal is to better understand their experiences and help personalize future care decisions, especially regarding device replacement or deactivation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, aged 65 and above, who have an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have an implanted defibrillator or are younger than 65 years old would not directly benefit from this particular project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could lead to better guidance for older patients and their families when making important decisions about their implanted defibrillators, potentially reducing painful shocks at the end of life.

How similar studies have performed: While previous work has touched on aspects of ICD care, this project aims to provide novel, longitudinal data specifically for older patients, addressing a gap in current guidelines.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.