Nurse Scientists to Study Preventive Care of Low-Income Seniors

LOS ANGELES (July 23, 2020) – People age 80 and older account for 19% of patients at Cedars-Sinai, a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years as the general U.S. population ages. The proportion of these patients who are low-income also is growing. 

Nurse scientists from the Nursing Research Department at Cedars-Sinai are now studying how best to address preventive health services among older patients like these while reducing the potential strain on long-term care, hospitals and the healthcare system. 

Investigators from the nursing research team at the Geri and Richard Brawerman Nursing Institute have received a $2.3 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to identify preventive interventions that can help low-income older adults maintain health and independence. 

The three-year study, “Elders Preserving Independence in the Community,” starts in November. The nurse scientists will compare the effectiveness of an in-home preventive healthcare program delivered by nurses to on-site group health and wellness classes for older adults living in low-income independent housing in Los Angeles. 

The study aims to improve health behaviors and promote preventive health actions and the use of appropriate community services while reducing dependence on costly health services. 

“We are honored to be selected as an award recipient,” said Harriet Aronow, PhD, research scientist and principle investigator. “Now more than ever we need to continue to keep aging adults at the forefront of research. If we can determine solutions to maintain or improve health, we can extend the opportunities for independent living and aging in place.” 

PCORI said the study aligns with its mission to provide patients, caregivers and clinicians with the latest information to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. 

“This project was selected for PCORI funding not only for its scientific merit and commitment to engaging patients and other stakeholders, but also for its potential to fill an important gap in our health knowledge and give people information to help them weigh the effectiveness of their care options,” said PCORI Executive Director Nakela L. Cook, MD, MPH. 

The PCORI award has been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.   

PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. For more information about PCORI’s funding, visit www.pcori.org. 

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: How to Live a Longer, More Fulfilling Life

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