Understanding low-value medical care for children and how to reduce it
Official title: UNderstanding the Delivery of Low-Value CAre To CHildren and the Barriers to De-Implementation (UN-LATCH)
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10870200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why kids sometimes get treatments they don’t really need, like antibiotics for colds or unnecessary tests, and it aims to find ways to help doctors follow better guidelines so that children receive the best care without extra costs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R03TR004254-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who are receiving care for conditions commonly associated with low-value treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those who do not receive low-value care treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the issue of low-value medical care provided to children, specifically focusing on unnecessary treatments such as antibiotics for viral infections, vitamin D screenings in healthy children, and antacid medications for infant reflux. The study aims to identify barriers that prevent healthcare providers from adhering to established guidelines against these practices. By analyzing claims data and provider awareness, the research seeks to develop strategies for reducing low-value care and improving health outcomes for children. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of care while minimizing unnecessary medical costs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare practices that reduce unnecessary treatments and associated risks for children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives, such as the Choosing Wisely campaign, have shown success in reducing low-value care in various medical fields, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf, Elizabeth Rebecca — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Wolf, Elizabeth Rebecca
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.