Faculty

Abraham A. Brody headshot

Abraham A Brody

Associate Professor, Nursing & Medicine
Associate Director, Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing

1 212 992 7341

433 First Avenue
Room 504
New York, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

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Professional overview

Abraham Brody is associate director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing and associate professor of Nursing and Medicine at NYU Meyers College of Nursing. He is also the founder of Aliviado Health and the Pilot Core Lead of the NIA IMACT Collaboratory. His work focuses on the intersection of geriatrics, palliative care, quality, and equity. The primary goal of his research, clinical, and policy pursuits is to improve the quality of care for older adults with serious illness wherever they reside. His primary mode for doing so is through the development, testing, and dissemination of real-word, technology, and informatics supported by quality improvement interventions. He is currently the principal investigator of two NIH-funded large-scale pragmatic clinical trials to improve the quality of care and quality of life for persons with dementia and their caregivers living in the community and a co-investigator on several other pragmatic trials and health services research projects in geriatrics and palliative care.  

From a leadership perspective, Brody works across disciplines to help advance geriatrics and palliative care nationally. As pilot core lead of the $53.4 million nationwide Collaboratory, he is responsible for heading the pilot program, which, in collaboration with the National Insitute of Aging, reviews and awards funds to help investigators prepare for large-scale pragmatic clinical trials for persons with dementia and their caregivers. He also serves on the Steering Committee of the NINR Funded Palliative Care Research Cooperative, the policy-setting body for the organization. 

In addition to his research and national leadership responsibilities, Brody is passionate about mentoring and developing a diverse nursing and scientific workforce. To this end, he developed and currently leads the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Leadership Development Program and is enrichment program director of NYU Meyer’s P20 Exploratory Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Training, Research, and Education Core of the NYU-HHC Clinical Translational Sciences Institute. He mentors faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and PhD students across multiple disciplines and institutions. Brody also maintains an active practice in the Geriatric and Palliative Consult Services at NYU Langone Health.

 

Home Health Study

HAS-QOL Study

Education

PhD - University of California, San Francisco (2008)
MSN - University of California, San Francisco (2006)
BA - New York University, College of Arts and Sciences (2002)

Specialties

Home care
Palliative care
Non-communicable disease
Policy
Gerontology
Interprofessionalism
Chronic disease
Community/population health
Neurology
Research methods
Underserved populations

Professional membership

American Nurses Association
American Geriatrics Society
Eastern Nursing Research Society
Gerontological Society of America
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
International Home Care Nurses Organization
Palliative Care Research Cooperative
Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Chapter

Honors and awards

Fellow, Palliative Care Nursing, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (2017)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2017)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2016)
Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2016)
Sojourns Scholar, Cambia Health Foundation (2014)
Nurse Faculty Scholar, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2014)
Goddard Fellowship, NYU (2013)
Medical Reserve Corps, NYC, Hurricane Sandy Award (2013)
Research Scholar, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (2010)
Finalist, SRPP Section Young Investigator, Gerontological Society of America (2008)
Scholar, Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity, John A Hartford (2006)
Edith M. Pritchard Award, Nurses' Education Funds (2006)
Finalist, Student Regent, University of California, San Francisco (2005)
Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honor Society (2004)

Publications

Association between Hospice Spending on Patient Care and Rates of Hospitalization and Medicare Expenditures of Hospice Enrollees

Aldridge, M. D., Epstein, A. J., Brody, A. A., Lee, E. J., Morrison, R. S., & Bradley, E. H. (2018). Journal of Palliative Medicine, 21(1), 55-61. 10.1089/jpm.2017.0101
Abstract
Background: Care at the end of life is increasingly fragmented and is characterized by multiple hospitalizations, even among patients enrolled with hospice. Objective: To determine whether hospice spending on direct patient care (including the cost of home visits, drugs, equipment, and counseling) is associated with hospital utilization and Medicare expenditures of hospice enrollees. Design: Longitudinal, observational cohort study (2008-2010). Setting/Subjects: Medicare beneficiaries (N = 101,261) enrolled in a national random sample of freestanding hospices (N = 355). Measurements: We used Medicare Hospice Cost reports to estimate hospice spending on direct patient care and Medicare claim data to estimate rates of hospitalization and Medicare expenditures. Results: Hospice mean direct patient care costs were $86 per patient day, the largest component being patient visits by hospice staff (e.g., nurse, physician, and counselor visits). After case-mix adjustment, hospices spending the most on direct patient care had patients with 5.2% fewer hospital admissions, 6.3% fewer emergency department visits, 1.6% fewer intensive care unit stays, and $1,700 less in nonhospice Medicare expenditures per patient compared with hospices spending the least on direct patient care (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Ninety percent of hospices with the lowest spending on direct patient care and highest rates of hospital use were for-profit hospices. Conclusions: Patients cared for by hospices with lower direct patient care costs had higher hospitalization rates and were overrepresented by for-profit hospices. Greater investment by hospices in direct patient care may help Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services avoid high-cost hospital care for patients at the end of life.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Sexual Minority Women (18-59 Years Old): Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012)

Caceres, B. A., Brody, A. A., Halkitis, P. N., Dorsen, C., Yu, G., & Chyun, D. A. (2018). Women’s Health Issues, 28(4), 333-341. 10.1016/j.whi.2018.03.004
Abstract
Objective: Sexual minority women (lesbian and bisexual) experience significant stigma, which may increase their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for CVD (including mental distress, health behaviors, blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, and total cholesterol) and CVD in sexual minority women compared with their heterosexual peers. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012) was conducted. Multiple imputation with chained equations was performed. Logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates were run. Self-report (medical history and medication use) and biomarkers for hypertension, diabetes, and high total cholesterol were examined. Results: The final analytic sample consisted of 7,503 that included 346 sexual minority women (4.6%). Sexual minority women were more likely to be younger, single, have a lower income, and lack health insurance. After covariate adjustment, sexual minority women exhibited excess CVD risk related to higher rates of frequent mental distress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.88), current tobacco use (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.53–2.91), and binge drinking (AOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17–2.34). Sexual minority women were more likely to be obese (AOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23–2.33) and have glycosylated hemoglobin consistent with prediabetes (AOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.04–2.34). No differences were observed for other outcomes. Conclusions: Sexual minority women demonstrated increased modifiable risk factors for CVD, but no difference in CVD diagnoses. Several emerging areas of research are highlighted, in particular, the need for CVD prevention efforts that target modifiable CVD risk in sexual minority women.

Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of home-based primary care versus usual care for high-risk homebound older adults

Reckrey, J. M., Brody, A. A., McCormick, E. T., DeCherrie, L. V., Zhu, C. W., Ritchie, C. S., Siu, A. L., Egorova, N. N., & Federman, A. D. (2018). Contemporary Clinical Trials, 68, 90-94. 10.1016/j.cct.2018.03.011

Sexual orientation differences in modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease diagnoses in men

Caceres, B. A., Brody, A. A., Halkitis, P. N., Dorsen, C., Yu, G., & Chyun, D. A. (2018). LGBT Health, 5(5), 284-294. 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0220
Abstract
Purpose: Despite higher rates of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in gay and bisexual men, few studies have examined sexual orientation differences in CVD among men. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual orientation differences in modifiable risk factors for CVD and CVD diagnoses in men. Methods: A secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012) was conducted. Multiple imputation was performed for missing values. Differences across four distinct groups were analyzed: gay-identified men, bisexual-identified men, heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (MSM), and heterosexual-identified men who denied same-sex behavior (categorized as exclusively heterosexual). Multiple logistic regression models were run with exclusively heterosexual men as the reference group. Results: The analytic sample consisted of 7731 men. No differences between heterosexual-identified MSM and exclusively heterosexual men were observed. Few differences in health behaviors were noted, except that, compared to exclusively heterosexual men, gay-identified men reported lower binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-0.85). Bisexual-identified men had higher rates of mental distress (AOR 2.39, 95% CI = 1.46-3.90), obesity (AOR 1.69, 95% CI = 1.02-2.72), elevated blood pressure (AOR 2.30, 95% CI = 1.43-3.70), and glycosylated hemoglobin (AOR 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38-6.59) relative to exclusively heterosexual men. Conclusions: Gay-identified and heterosexual-identified MSM demonstrated similar CVD risk to exclusively heterosexual men, whereas bisexual-identified men had elevations in several risk factors. Future directions for sexual minority health research in this area and the need for CVD and mental health screenings, particularly in bisexual-identified men, are highlighted.

Diversity dynamics: The experience of male Robert Wood Johnson Foundation nurse faculty scholars

Brody, A. A., Farley, J. E., Gillespie, G. L., Hickman, R., Hodges, E. A., Lyder, C., Palazzo, S. J., Ruppar, T., Schiavenato, M., & Pesut, D. J. (2017). Nursing Outlook, 65(3), 278-288. 10.1016/j.outlook.2017.02.004
Abstract
Background Managing diversity dynamics in academic or clinical settings for men in nursing has unique challenges resulting from their minority status within the profession. Purpose The purpose of this study was to share challenges and lessons learned identified by male scholars in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars program and suggest strategies for creating positive organizations promoting inclusive excellence. Methods Multiple strategies including informal mentored discussions and peer-to-peer dialogue throughout the program, formal online surveys of scholars and National Advisory Committee members, and review of scholar progress reports were analyzed as part of the comprehensive evaluation plan of the program. Discussion Diversity dynamic issues include concerns with negative stereotyping, microaggression, gender intelligence, and differences in communication and leadership styles. Conclusion Male nurse faculty scholars report experiencing both opportunities and challenges residing in a predominately female profession. This article attempts to raise awareness and suggest strategies to manage diversity dynamics in service of promoting the development of a culture of health that values diversity and inclusive excellence for both men and women in academic, research, and practice contexts.

Redoubling our efforts-a recap from the annual NICHE conference

Gilmartin, M., Santamaria, J., & Brody, A. (2017). Geriatric Nursing. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.06.011

What does the future hold for geriatric nursing?

Brody, A. (2017). Geriatric Nursing, 38(1), 85. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.12.009

The Cambia Sojourns Scholars Leadership Program: Project Summaries from the Inaugural Scholar Cohort

Kamal, A. H., Anderson, W. G., Boss, R. D., Brody, A. A., Campbell, T. C., Creutzfeldt, C. J., Hurd, C. J., Kinderman, A. L., Lindenberger, E. C., & Reinke, L. F. (2016). Journal of Palliative Medicine, 19(6), 591-600. 10.1089/jpm.2016.0086
Abstract
Background: As palliative care grows and evolves, robust programs to train and develop the next generation of leaders are needed. Continued integration of palliative care into the fabric of usual health care requires leaders who are prepared to develop novel programs, think creatively about integration into the current health care environment, and focus on sustainability of efforts. Such leadership development initiatives must prepare leaders in clinical, research, and education realms to ensure that palliative care matures and evolves in diverse ways. Methods: The Cambia Health Foundation designed the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program to facilitate leadership development among budding palliative care leaders. Results: The background, aims, and results to date of each of the projects from the scholars of the inaugural cohort are presented.

Cognitive impairment-adults-Down's syndrome

Brody, A. (2016). In , & , Textbook of advanced practice palliative nursing. Oxford University Press.

Development and testing of the Dementia Symptom Management at Home (DSM-H) program: An interprofessional home health care intervention to improve the quality of life for persons with dementia and their caregivers

Brody, A. A., Guan, C., Cortes, T., & Galvin, J. E. (2016). Geriatric Nursing, 37(3), 200-6. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.01.002
Abstract
Home health care agencies are increasingly taking care of sicker, older patients with greater comorbidities. However, they are unequipped to appropriately manage these older adults, particular persons living with dementia (PLWD). We therefore developed the Dementia Symptom Management at Home (DSM-H) Program, a bundled interprofessional intervention, to improve the care confidence of providers, and quality of care delivered to PLWD and their caregivers. We implemented the DSM-H with 83 registered nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Overall, there was significant improvement in pain knowledge (5.9%) and confidence (26.5%), depression knowledge (14.8%) and confidence (36.1%), and neuropsychiatric symptom general knowledge (16.8%), intervention knowledge (20.9%), attitudes (3.4%) and confidence (27.1%) at a statistical significance of (P < .0001). We also found significant differences between disciplines. Overall, this disseminable program proved to be implementable and improve clinician's knowledge and confidence in caring for PLWD, with the potential to improve quality of care and quality of life, and decrease costs.

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