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Home arrow Vol X, Dec `04
AHRQ: Boomers Create Greater Research Urgency PDF Print E-mail
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Vol X, Dec `04
The "graying" of the baby boomers is making current research needs on diseases of aging even "more dramatic and urgent," according to Irene Fraser, PhD, Director of AHRQ's Center for Organization and Delivery Studies. "Boomers will drive research on issues related to quality of life, satisfaction with care, compliance, and so on," she added. She noted that a trend toward more studies in these areas already is beginning.

Researchers studying aging boomers will face the challenge of collecting data across settings and following patients through the care continuum, Fraser observed. She explained that "boomers will want something different in long term care. That is why we're seeing more assisted living and other alternative care settings. We will need to conduct research across sites, where records and record-keeping vary." Research across settings is among the hardest to do, she stated, but it is important. "The biggest problems and greatest safety issues occur as we cross sites of care," said Fraser.

Fraser encourages researchers to get involved with research networks "that are practice- or delivery-based and where practitioners are involved in research enterprises in some way." These groups, such as the AMDA Foundation Research Network, "bring to bear the particular strengths of physicians practicing in these settings."

Among the research topics where Fraser sees the greatest need for study and the best opportunities for funding are:

  • Improving quality and safety, particularly at transition points
  • Cost and finance (ways to make long term care more affordable)
  • Medication safety (including falls prevention)
  • Human resources (how to attract and retain physicians in this setting)

Click here for summaries of AHRQ research findings on LTC issues.

Click here for AHRQ funding opportunities of interest to long term care practitioners.
 
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