Using digital health records to predict suicide risk in older adults based on loneliness and social isolation.
Integrating Loneliness and Social Isolation Insights into Late-Life Suicide Risk Prediction Through the Digital Phenotyping of Electronic Health Records
This study is looking at how feeling lonely or isolated can make older adults more likely to think about suicide, and it uses advanced technology to better spot those at risk so they can get help sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11038964 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how loneliness and social isolation among older adults can increase the risk of suicide. By analyzing electronic health records (EHRs) with advanced artificial intelligence techniques, including natural language processing, the study aims to improve the accuracy of suicide risk predictions. The goal is to identify at-risk individuals earlier and provide timely interventions. This innovative approach seeks to utilize the rich narrative data within EHRs that often go unnoticed in traditional analyses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who experience feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience loneliness or social isolation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and support for older adults at risk of suicide due to loneliness and social isolation.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using AI and EHR data to improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bozkurt, Selen — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Bozkurt, Selen
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.