Behind every breakthrough at the University of Utah, there’s a researcher driven by curiosity, passion, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. Research Groundbreakers is dedicated to showcasing these innovators—the faculty, scholars, and entrepreneurs whose work is shaping industries, improving lives, and expanding knowledge. 

From securing competitive grants to launching startups and publishing groundbreaking research, each featured story highlights not just the achievement but also the impact. Through this column, we’ll share the personal motivations, challenges, and discoveries that define research at the U. 

Dr. Roxanne Weiss — Awarded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute for Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) vs. Family-Augmented HELP (FAM-HELP) for Prevention of Delirium

Delirium is a common and devastating condition that impacts hospitalized older adults. The Cleveland Clinic defines it as a type of confusion that happens when the combined strain of illnesses, environmental circumstances or other risk factors disrupts your brain function.

Because there are no treatment options, prevention of delirium is critical in those that are vulnerable. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an effective and evidenced-based clinical program that has been proven to prevent delirium. 

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) awarded the University of Michigan and Marcus Institute for Aging Research a $13 million grant for a clinical trial involving eight hospitals across the country, including here at the U of U. The trial is called “Evaluating Novel Healthcare Approaches to Nurturing and Caring for Hospitalized Elders” (ENHANCE).

“This research builds upon the foundational work of the HELP program to involve caregivers and family members in the interventions of HELP, such as orientation, memory enhancement activities, and assistance with walking and feeding,” said Dr. Roxanne Weiss, Assistant Professor at the University of Utah Hospital and Co-Director of the HELP program. “We want to see if involving family members can improve health and well-being for both patients and their families.”

Weiss said her hope is that age-friendly programs such as HELP will become the standard of care in every single hospital across the country. Her goal is to continue to find evidenced-based methods for preventing delirium and improving the quality of care for hospitalized older adults. 

“I think that engaging caregivers during a patient’s hospitalization will not only improve patient outcomes but enhance feelings of emotional and social support between patients and families,” she said. 

For more information on the study and HELP, please contact Dr. Weiss.