What is the purpose of this study?

We are investigating the experiences of people who recently passed away and their caregivers. We are also interested in end-of-life planning and interactions with caregivers. Our overarching aim is to identify solutions to health inequalities at the end of life. 

How much will I be compensated for participating? 

If you are eligible and you participate in our focus group, you will be paid $200 for your participation in this study. We will pay you by gift card at the end of the discussion session. We will also be provided with a $25 transportation voucher. 

Will the focus group be in-person or virtual? 

The focus groups for caregivers will be held in person. Once you connect with us, we will coordinate with you based on your availability.

What are the eligibility criteria for the study?

• People who assisted or were present when a recently deceased person was making healthcare decisions
• The deceased person was age 65 or older at the time of death
• The deceased person died within the last 18 months
• Live in the Nashville area.

Still unsure if you are eligible? Please reach out to us directly to verify! You can call the research team at (615-343-2636) or email us at healproject@vanderbilt.edu

How long will the study last? 

The focus group will take no more than 2 1/2 hours. 

Are there any risks associated with participating in this study? 

There are no risks to you for participating in this study. 

Who can I call if I have any questions? 

Privacy Policy

If you choose to fill out our study interest form, we will collect certain personal identifiable information from you in order to contact you about your interest in our study. This information includes your first name, last name, email address, contact phone number, age, and state/city of residence. This personal identifiable information will not be linked to your responses should you choose to participate. These will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team, and records will be destroyed following completion of the study. If you have any questions about your data confidentiality, you can contact the research team (healproject@vanderbilt.edu) or the Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (615-322-2918). We may also receive information about how you use our website through the automatic functions of “cookies,” web logs, and other technologies. This information will not be viewed, stored, or used in the research study.

You can call the research team at (615-343-2636) or email us at healproject@vanderbilt.edu