Using video games to improve trauma care for older adults
Official title: Using video games to increase implementation of clinical practice guidelines in trauma triage
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11004113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether playing video games can help emergency doctors get better at quickly and accurately assessing older trauma patients, so they can provide the right care when it’s needed most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $519,333 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076499-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who may require emergency care due to trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not experiencing trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how video game-based training can enhance the ability of emergency medicine physicians to accurately triage trauma patients aged 65 and older. By focusing on improving physician behavior through engaging training methods, the study aims to reduce the under-triage of older patients, which is a significant issue in emergency departments. The trial will involve a national sample of physicians who will be randomized into different training groups to assess the effectiveness of the video game intervention compared to traditional education methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved trauma care for older adults, reducing mortality and loss of independence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative training methods, like video games, to improve medical practices, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohan, Deepika — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mohan, Deepika
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.