Marie Bakitas, DNSc
Funded Projects
A Community-Developed, Culturally-Based Palliative Care Tele-Consult Program for African American and White Rural Southern Elders with A Life-limiting Illness
NIH/NINR/NR017181
9/21/2018 - 6/30/2023
This study compares a robust, culturally-based Palliative Care Tele-consult program to usual hospital care to determine whether a culturally-based Palliative Care Tele-consult program leads to lower symptom burden (primary aim) and higher patient and caregiver quality of life, care satisfaction, and lower caregiver burden at Day 7 post-consultation, and lower resource use 30-days post-discharge (secondary aim) in hospitalized AA and W older adults with a life-limiting illness.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/2l_RIGW0F0GLW1T-FD6UPA/project-details/10410528
SWOG NCORP Research Base
NIH/ NCI NCORP/no number
SWOG committee Co-Chairs are expected to work with the committee chair to provide strategic direction within their committees, contribute to the strategic planning of SWOG, and participate regularly in the management of the group. Committee specific activities include oversight and input regarding developing and ongoing protocols, mentoring investigators, trial monitoring, analysis and reporting or results, partnering with committee patient advocates, evaluating and incorporating diversity and disparities and leveraging SWOG resources.
Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Early Integrated Telehealth versus In-Person Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer (REACH PC)
PCORI/Mass. General Hospital
1/1/2018 - 12/31/2024
The purpose of this project is to serve as a recruitment site with target enrollment and retention of sixty (60) subjects at baseline and follow-up.
InSPIRe:CF (Integrating Specialist PC to Improve care and Reduce Suffering: CF): A Multi-Site Study
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation/Emory University/KAVAL20Q10
This phase III, multisite, randomised clinical trial sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation cff.org, (KAVAL20QI0) compares care as usual by a CF clinic team, versus usual care plus palliative care by a palliative care specialist.
Introducing Palliative Care within the Treatment of End-Stage Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PCORI (PLC-1609036174)
9/1/2017 – ongoing
Comparative effectiveness of 2 possible palliative care (PC) models for patients with end-stage liver disease in improving quality of life (QoL) from baseline to 4 months as assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-HEP).
Rebecca Edwards, PhD
Funded Projects
Pilot-testing a Novel Interprofessional Diploma in a Palliative Care Program
UAB Sparkman Center Pilot Grant
6/1/2023 – 5/31/2024
This project is a continuation of her dissertation study, which aimed to better understand best ways to help Jamaican healthcare professionals gain and utilize palliative care knowledge and skills to better serve an expanding population of patients with life-limiting serious illnesses. The Sparkman project takes Edwards’ work one step further by involving Jamaican interprofessionals in pilot testing components of a Palliative Care Diploma program due to open in 2024.
https://www.uab.edu/sparkmancenter/funding/pilot-grant-funding
Deborah Ejem, PhD
Funded Projects
Reducing Disparities in the Quality of Palliative Care for Older African Americans through Improved Advance Care Planning (EQUAL ACP)
Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) (R-1609-36381)
9/1/2017 – 5/31/2024
This study compares the effectiveness of two different approaches to advance care planning among older African Americans and older Whites living in the community. The two approaches are a structured approach with an advance care planning conversation led by a trained person using Respecting Choices (First Steps) and a patient-driven approach which includes a Five Wishes advance care planning form written in plain language. The study will determine which approach is more effective at increasing advance care planning within each racial group and reducing differences between the two groups in advance care planning.
Exploring Spiritual Concerns, Needs, and Resources in Outpatient Care: A Case for Spiritual Care as a Core Service in Facilities Serving Under-resourced Patients
Dean’s Scholar Award
11/1/2021 – 12/31/2023
The purpose of this small-scale pilot trial is to determine feasibility and acceptability of a culturally-responsive chaplain-led spiritual care intervention with African American patients with chronic illness and their family caregivers at Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority (CGMHSA).
Addressing Communication Challenges Confronting Older African Americans with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Family Caregivers (Black Health Identification Program)
National Palliative Care Research Center
7/1/2021 - 12/31/2023
Addressing Communication Challenges Confronting Older African Americans with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Family Caregivers (Black Health Identification Program) this study’s purpose is to conduct a formative evaluation of a Self-directed “My Health Priorities” Identification Program to determine cultural acceptability and feasibility of use in among AAs with MCCs in a primary care setting. The 2-phase study specific aims are to: Conduct a single-arm formative evaluation trial of "Self-directed 'My Health Priorities' Identification Program" to determine acceptability and feasitibility and 2) to examine the ability of the dyads to complete pre- and post-test measures of perception of care, treatment burden, shared decision-making, and communication exchange.
Shena Gazaway, PhD
Funded Projects
An Optimization trial of a stakeholder-enhanced intervention to improve the decisional partnership of Chronic Kidney Disease dyads using the multiphase optimization strategy: Project ImPart.
NIH/NIDDK134756
The pilot will enroll 64 chronic kidney disease patients with stage IV disease and their family caregivers to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of each component of the decision support intervention, including finding ways to optimally support and engage patients in active disease management and future planning.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/KfGaO7G6F0Km0P1TVDN9fQ/project-details/10739401
ADAPT HF (ADdressing pain through A navigator-led Palliative care opTimized for Heart Failure)
UAB Integrative Center for Aging
Co-PI: Rachel Wells, PhD
10/1/2022 - 9/31/2023
Over 80% of the 6.2 million U.S. adults with heart failure (HF) report frequent pain with nearly 75% indicating that pain interferes with their daily living; yet pain is often unaddressed. The goals of this study are two-fold: 1) to develop and refine community-based, navigator-nurse led PC pain intervention components to address pain disparities in older Black adults with HF and 2) to determine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the refined intervention components. These findings will directly inform a fully-powered optimization trial leading to an optimized PC pain intervention to improve older Black adults with HF’s pain outcomes
Rita Jablonski, PhD
Funded Projects
Fewer Drugs & Bugs: Decreasing Antipsychotic Drug Use and Preventable Infections in Nursing Home Residents by Leveraging the Head-to-Toe Infection Prevention Program with Care-Resistant Behavior Dementia Training
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services/C210620054
7/1/2022 - 6/30/2026
The primary objective of the proposed project is to reduce antipsychotic usage for persons with dementia residing in long term care facilities; the secondary objective of the proposed project is to reduce pneumonia, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections.
Grant Title: Coaching Dementia Caregivers to Master Care-Resistant Behavior: CuRB-IT
NIH/NIA/R01AG074255
9/1/2021 - 6/30/2026
This project addresses a critical gap in knowledge by evaluating an evidence-based, tele-coaching intervention, Care-Resistant Behavior Internet Training (CuRB-IT), to enhance coping skills of family caregivers and reduce EAN
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/5l-EmW410Ee-_e1BKfytxw/project-details/10478199
Mirjam-Colette Kempf, PhD
Funded Projects
UAB-MISS MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MACS/WIHS-CCS)
NIH/NHLBI/ U01HL146192
4/1/2019 - 3/31/2026
The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) / Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) Combined Cohort Study (MACS/WIHS-CCS) is a collaborative research effort that aims to understand and reduce the impact of chronic health conditions including heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders that affect people living with HIV.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/5evQSLpKzUOYvY2IRoGtKw/project-details/10218997
UAB Center for AIDS Research – Core B – Developmental Core
NIH/NIAID/P30AI027767
3/1/1997 – 5/31/2024
The primary purpose of this center is to support interdisciplinary AIDS research efforts. This Center is responsible for the planning, evaluating, managing and documenting a broad array of research activities within the two institutions. The purpose of this project is linking clinical and basic science studies through the use of shared facilities and to translate as quickly as possible fundamental knowledge about AIDS and its related disorders into clinical treatment and prevention programs.
https://www.uab.edu/medicine/cfar/core-facilities/developmental-core
Examining social ecological and network factors to assess epidemiological risk in a large national cohort of cisgender women
Columbia University/NIH/NIAID/R01AI172469
8/18/2022 – 7/31/2027
Cisgender women account for approximately 20% of annual HIV diagnoses in the United States; yet, there is limited information on the combination of factors that contribute to HIV incidence in these women. In response, our study team proposes to develop a knowledgebase of integrated data including biomarker data from a cohort of cisgender women behaviorally vulnerable to HIV infection paired with network data and big data from disease surveillance and social determinants of health databases. At the conclusion of the knowledgebase construction and the cohort and network analysis, we will have identified individual, social network, geospatial, and public policy factors that increase a women’s risk for HIV and/or sexually transmitted infection acquisition, providing intervention opportunities to reduce women’s vulnerabilities to HIV infection.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/566Ph7kc4kuCwE5Ry9evRA/project-details/10543645
PrEP Demonstration Project among Women at Risk for HIV Infection
NIMH/R34MH118044
7/1/2021 – 6/30/2023
The objective of this application is to pilot test PrEP implementation among AA women at high-risk for HIV-infection in the rural South, specifically those seeking care at a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in rural Alabama, and to explore perceptions, facilitators, and barriers to the delivery and uptake of PrEP in this patient population.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/XiE4AiPteUqBtILqIEwcsQ/project-details/10198705
Improving PrEP Uptake and Adherence among Minority MSM through Tailored Provider Training and Adherence Assistance in Two High Priority Settings
Columbia University/CDC 6U01PS005229-02-01
9/1/2022 – 8/31/2023
Men who have sex with men (MSM), especially young Black and Latino MSM, have the highest rates of HIV diagnoses in the United States. The goal of the proposed Type II Hybrid Study is to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis screening, counseling, initiation, adherence, and persistence in young Black and Latino MSM in two high-priority settings.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/giLkTO3_G0-iYGYtoax4GA/project-details/10324998
Social Connections, Risk for COVID-Era Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders, and HIV Control
SUNY Downstate Medical Center/NIMH R01MH128955-01
This project will examine understudied pathways linking social connections to substance use disorders and depression, and to HIV outcomes. A better understanding of these mechanisms will address a critical gap in the literature on social connections and will advance the ability to design effective interventions in this important area.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/sDrwQMovEk-xAdENbQx_4A/project-details/10543792
Stigma and the Non-Communicable Disease Syndemic in Aging HIV Positive and HIV Negative MSM
Rutgers University/7R01HL160326
9/1/2022 – 8/31/2026
The non-communicable diseases diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PWH), especially among multiply marginalized populations such as racial/ethnic minorities. We will study how intersecting stigmas contribute both directly and indirectly to the incidence, prevalence, and control of this comorbidity cluster in a diverse cohort of HIV positive and HIV negative sexual minority men. Our findings will provide valuable data for health providers, public health researchers, and policymakers to more effectively intervene across the complex pathways between marginalized social position, stigma, psychosocial health, and non-communicable disease outcomes.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/3RfB_UBlsESypFOyM1e9Og/project-details/10757524
Sigrid Ladores, PhD
Funded Projects
A Multi-site Trial of Specialist Palliative Care in CF
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation/KAVALI20Q10
3/1/2020 - 2/28/2024
This phase III, multisite, randomized clinical trial sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation cff.org, (KAVAL20QI0) compares care as usual by a CF clinic team, versus usual care plus palliative care by a palliative care specialist. The study aims are to (1) compare InSPIRe:CF to usual care for effects on patient QoL and symptom burden; (2) compare InSPIRE:CF to usual care for effects on caregiver QoL and (3) evaluate the mechanisms of action of InSPIRe:CF and barriers and facilitators to wider dissemination.
A Pragmatic Multi-Site Trial of Specialist Palliative Care in CF (NCE)
Emory University CFF Pass Through S680701/Kavali20Q10
3/1/2020 – 6/30/2/28/24
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects more than 30,000 individuals in the United States and their families. People with CF experience multiple physical and emotional symptoms, including shortness of breath, tiredness, pain, depression, and anxiety. Palliative care is a medical speciality of experts who work to reduce suffering and improve quality of life for people with serious illness, like CF. Although there is evidence for the benefits of palliative care in illnesses like cancer and heart disease, we do not know if it has the same benefits for people living with CF. The goal of this study is to test whether palliative care, delivered alongside usual CF care, improves outcomes for people with CF.
Therapeutics development network (TDN): Sexual health reproduction and gender research (SHARING)
0041067122 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation TDN
7/1/2022 – 6/30/2025
The early goals of the Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) Sexual Health, Reproduction, and Gender Research (SHARING) Working Group are to identify the gaps in knowledge around sexual and reproductive health issues, including those in women, men, and transgender and nonbinary people with CF; determine future research priorities; and begin to develop the infrastructure needed to efficiently move these research priorities forward.
https://www.cff.org/tdn-sexual-health-reproduction-and-gender-research-working-group
Frank Puga, PhD
Funded Projects
The Mental Health Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minorities Living with Cancer and their Intimate partners
Center for Palliative and Support Care (PREP)
3/1/2022 - 2/28/2024
The Cancer Support and Well-Being Study: The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and their intimate partners. LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and their partners often experience stress that can impact their mood and well-being. We are interested in learning about these experiences, resources to overcome challenges, and things that improve how one feels over time.
https://www.uab.edu/medicine/palliativecare/research/prep-awards
Nuestros dias (Our Days) - The Mental Health Experiences of Hispanic and Latinx ADRD Caregivers
NIH/NIA/R01AG072569
5/15/2022 - 4/30/2027
The Day-to-Day Experiences of Latino Dementia Caregivers: The purpose of this study is to learn about the daily experiences of Hispanic and Latino dementia caregivers. We are specifically interested in examining contextual, individual-level, and cultural factors that promote resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of caregiving-related stress on one's mental health.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/u-esLBNK2EGCyOwnkf96Dg/project-details/10447873
Ellen Smith, PhD
Funded Projects
Duloxetine to Prevent Oxaliplatin-Induced Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II to Phase III Study
NIH/NCI/R01CA235726
1/10/2019 - 12/31/2024
A critical gap in our scientific knowledge is that no known preventive interventions for OIPN exist. To address this gap, our overall objective is to test whether duloxetine prevents oxaliplatin-induced N, T, and pain, using a sequential Phase II to Phase III design that will be conducted via the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a large, multisite research network with access to diverse patient populations.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/cwrPTe5WtkuM5979AQch3w/project-details/10322762
Richard Taylor, PhD
Funded Projects
Life-space mobility in older adult colorectal survivors: A mixed method cohort study
Palliative Research Enhancement Project Award (PREP)
3/2/2023 – 2/28/2024
We plan to conduct an exploratory sequential mixed methods study (QUAL priority) embedded in an ongoing multisite prospective cohort study, Myopenia and Mechanisms of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults with Colorectal Cancer: The M&M study (The M&M Study). Participants are aged > 65 years with newly diagnosed metastatic CRC or metastatic recurrence post-1-year treatment. We aim to 1). Identify common themes regarding life-space mobility (LSM), factors associated with LSM declines, ways to maintain or improve LSM, and potential LSM-improving program design and 2) Examine the relationship between interview- and literature-derived factors and LSM over time.
https://www.uab.edu/medicine/palliativecare/research/prep-awards
David Vance, PhD
Funded Projects
Executive Function Training to Reduce Cognitive Intra-Individual Variability in Adults with HIV
NIH/NIA/R21AG077957
3/2/2023 - 2/28/2024
Compare adults who receive Executive Functioning Training to those who do not to determine whether they improve in global cognitive ability (i.e., clinical ratings & HAND diagnoses) and overall cognitive IIV
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/nAsw8iaV1kGJE6KeItFe4A/project-details/10476003
Rachel Wells, PhD
Funded Projects
Optimizing an Early Palliative Care Intervention for Advanced HF Patients
NIH/R00NR01984
4/7/2021- 3/31/2026
The overall R00 goals are to gain advanced research training in developing behavioral interventions, conducting randomized controlled trials using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), and advanced research ethics to refine and pilot test components of a lay navigator-led early palliative care intervention for underserved persons with advanced HF in the Southern U.S. The goal of the UPHOLDS intervention (Utilizing Palliative Care for Heart Failure Optimized using Lay Navigators to Decrease Suffering), will be to improve quality of life (QOL) by activating advanced HF patients through trained lay navigators coaching.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/LjZMM5t5i0eKlddp96Rd_A/project-details/10386866
ADAPT HF (Addressing pain through A navigator-led Palliative care optimized for Heart Failure)
UAB Integrative Center for Aging
Co-PI: Shena Gazaway, PhD
10/1/2022 - 9/31/2023
Over 80% of the 6.2 million U.S. adults with heart failure (HF) report frequent pain with nearly 75% indicating that pain interferes with their daily living; yet pain is often unaddressed. The goals of this study are two-fold: 1) to develop and refine community-based, navigator-nurse led PC pain intervention components to address pain disparities in older Black adults with HF and 2) to determine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the refined intervention components. These findings will directly inform a fully-powered optimization trial leading to an optimized PC pain intervention to improve older Black adults with HF’s pain outcomes.
Pariya Wheeler, PhD
Funded Projects
Testing the Efficacy and Mechanisms of an Adapted Resilience Building Intervention in People Aging with HIV
NIH/NIA/R21AG076377
8/15/2022 - 5/31/2023
The proposed study will use an ecologically-valid approach to examine the efficacy and mechanisms of an optimized resilience intervention among older people living with HIV, which will ultimately provide implications for development of potent and scalable interventions for building resilience in people aging with HIV.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/2Ny9GI6_UECNb2NkYhcKMA/project-details/10478381
Evaluation of Neurobiological Mechanisms Mediating the Effect of Immune Activation on Neurocognitive Impairment and the Role of Psychosocial Factors Among Women Living with HIV
NIH/ NIMH/R01MH131177
9/13/2022 - 6/30/2027
Using existing data and bio specimen from the MACS WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) this study will examine putative biological pathways involving immune activation and neurobiological pathways (i.e., depletion of neurotransmitters, increased neurotoxic metabolites, and neuronal damage) to identify the markers that can be tightly linked to the clinical course of cognitive impairment phenotypes in women living with HIV (WLWH). This project examines also the role of psychosocial factors in impairing cognitive functions by exacerbating immune activation and neurobiological pathways directly and indirectly through ART levels adherence among WLWH.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/cCvv4T0GSka6jJa-d0xjGg/project-details/10534423
Neurocognitive Trajectories in Older Adults with COVID-19 in the Deep South
Alzheimer’s Association
6/1/2022 - 4/30/2023
This study will examine whether cognitive and functional trajectories differ by COVID-19 diagnosis (vs. controls) and acute COVID-19 severity, and also examine sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, and biological mechanisms among a diverse sample of older adults.
Examining the Effect of High-Intensity Exercise to Attenuate Cognitive Function Limitations and Train Exercise Habits in Older People Living with HIV (HEALTH-Cog)
NIH/NIA/R01AG077987
5/15/2023 – 4/30/2028
People aging with HIV are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and although physical activity is a promising target to mitigate such risk, this population engages in low levels of physical activity. Few studies have tested cognitive effects of exercise interventions or examined mechanisms of adherence to long-term exercise among diverse samples of midlife and older people with HIV. The current study will leverage an existing R01 to address these gaps and provide implications for development of personalized approaches for the treatment and prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia in older people with HIV.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/hDvg_Qdm00-STVmPH3xMlQ/project-details/10695384
Christina Wilson, PhD
Funded Projects
Identification of Knowledge & Needs to Reduce Anxiety and Pain and Improve Dilator Usage
Dean’s Scholar Award
11/11/2022 - 11/10/2023
The purpose of this study is to identify the content to include in an educational video as part of a multi-component educational intervention to improve dilator usage in patients with cervical cancer. A content analysis of the semi-structured interview transcripts will be conducted using a deductive analytic approach to identify the most common topics to address within the video.
Assessment and Revision Of Usual measure for SExual Dysfunction (AROUSED) Study
Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation
The purpose of this study is to identify a superior sexual function outcome measure that will aid in the future discovery of effective sexual health treatments. In phase 1, we will use cognitive interviewing methodology (n = 25) to assess the content validity of the developed sexual health questions. In phase 2, 230 patients will be recruited (200 treated for gynecologic cancer [60 of these will have completed radiation for the first time] and 30 healthy controls) to further evaluate the refined sexual function measure emerging from phase 1 testing.