New grant to Transform ICU Care with Time-Limited Trials
A significant step towards enhancing patient care in intensive care units has been announced with the awarding of a $3,163,459 grant to Dr.Dong chang. The funding, provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute on Aging, will support a pioneering project focused on reducing perhaps ineffective treatments for critically ill individuals facing advanced medical conditions.
The project officially began on September 25, 2025. This award signifies a major achievement for Dr. Chang and The Lundquist Institute, underlining their dedication to advancements in Health Services and Outcomes research and compassionate care.
The problem of over-treatment
In many Intensive Care Units,patients with serious illnesses receive aggressive treatments that ultimately offer limited benefits,contributing to unnecessary suffering. A key factor driving this issue is ofen insufficient communication between medical professionals, patients, and their families. According to a 2024 study by the American Thoracic Society, nearly 30% of ICU patients receive treatments they might not want if fully informed about their prognosis.
A Novel approach: Time-Limited Trials
Dr. Chang and his team have developed a structured communication strategy centered around shared-decision making and the implementation of Time-Limited Trials (TLTs). These trials involve setting clear goals and timeframes for specific treatments,with regular reassessments to evaluate their effectiveness. preliminary studies have demonstrated that TLTs can improve communication quality and reduce the use of interventions with minimal potential benefit.
did You Know? Time-Limited Trials can empower patients and families to actively participate in end-of-life care decisions, aligning treatments with their values and preferences.
Large-Scale Clinical Trial Launched
With the new NIH funding,Dr. Chang’s team will initiate a comprehensive clinical trial to assess the effectiveness and widespread applicability of the TLT model.The trial will be conducted across two prominent healthcare systems:
| Healthcare System | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LAC DHS) | Los Angeles, CA | second-largest public healthcare system in the United States. |
| Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) | Southern California | Largest integrated healthcare system in the region. |
These diverse environments will allow researchers to determine how TLTs can be adapted to accommodate varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Pro Tip: Open communication is essential; asking questions and expressing concerns can foster a greater understanding of treatment options and potential outcomes.
Transforming ICU Care
The Lundquist Institute has extended it’s congratulations to Dr. Chang and his team for securing this competitive award. Their work has the potential to reshape ICU care nationwide, fostering greater shared decision-making and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
understanding Shared Decision-Making
Shared decision-making is a collaborative process where clinicians and patients work together to make healthcare choices. It’s rooted in the principles of patient autonomy, respect for individual values, and the integration of clinical expertise with patient preferences. According to the national Academy of Medicine, shared decision-making leads to increased patient satisfaction, better adherence to treatment plans, and improved health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Time-Limited Trials
- What are Time-Limited Trials in ICU care? Time-limited Trials are structured periods of treatment with pre-defined goals and reassessment points, designed to determine if a treatment is benefiting a critically ill patient.
- Why is communication significant in ICU settings? Clear communication between doctors, patients, and families ensures everyone understands the goals of care, treatment options, and potential outcomes.
- How can TLTs reduce unnecessary suffering? By focusing on treatments with a reasonable likelihood of benefit within a specific timeframe, TLTs can definitely help avoid prolonged interventions that offer minimal value.
- What is the role of shared decision-making in this process? Shared decision-making empowers patients and families to actively participate in treatment decisions, ensuring their values and preferences are considered.
- Where is this research taking place? This clinical trial will be conducted at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Kaiser Permanente Southern california.
- will this research affect all ICU patients? The goal is to develop a widely applicable model,but initial implementation will focus on patients with advanced medical illnesses and limited prognosis.
