Tina Sadarangani

Faculty

Tina Sadarangani headshot

Tina Sadarangani

PhD RN ANP-C GNP-BC

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7183

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Prof. Tina Sadarangani, PhD, RN, FAAN is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. Sadarangani is an NIH-funded clinician scientist over-seeing a research portfolio focused on improving care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. She has built a growing movement to help families, especially immigrant families, caring for a chronically ill person navigate a complex and fragmented healthcare system. Her work has impacted families and eldercare organizations nationwide. Sadarangani’s expertise includes family caregivers, adult day care services, older adult nutrition, age-tech, and addressing the long-term care needs of ethnically diverse older adults.

With support from the National Institutes of Health, Sadarangani created an award-winning mobile app– CareMobiTM - out of her NYU lab that helps family members caring for a chronically ill loved one, particularly those with dementia, communicate around the day-to-day care of their loved ones. She is also the creator of The Enlightened Caregiver – a social media movement -  that empowers families with practical guidance on how to get optimal, not usual, healthcare for the people they love. 

Her research also innovatively positions adult day centers, which represent a growing but understudied sector of long-term care, as platforms for chronic disease management in underserved communities. A leader in using community-partnered research in adult day centers, her on-going collaborations with the National Adult Day Services Association and the California Association of Adult Day Services, have demonstrated that integrating adult day centers into the healthcare continuum contributes to reductions in avoidable healthcare utilization and person-centered care. She is also the nation's leading researcher focused on evaluating and improving nutrition programs in adult day centers.

Sadarangani has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals, including in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. She has been featured in the New York Times, Associated Press, US News and World Report, among several other major media outlets. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction/Rising Star in Long-Term Care and recently recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a Notable Leader in Healthcare. 

 

PhD, New York University
MS, University of Pennsylvania
BSN, New York University
BA, Georgetown University
Chronic disease
Gerontology
Health Policy
Health Services Research
Immigrants
Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations
American Gerontological Society
American Heart Association
National Gerontological Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society
Top 10% of Most-Viewed Papers Published in 2023, Journal of Clinical Nursing, The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID‐19 pandemic (2025)
Alumni Nursing Exemplar, Georgetown University School of Nursing, New York, NY. (2025)
NYU Meyers Dean's Excellence in Research Award for Senior Faculty - recognizes full-time faculty who have engaged in research that contributes to the development of new scientific knowledge, or advances in nursing practice or education (2025)
Rising Star Award, National Institute on Aging (NIA), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), Advancing Geriatrics Infrastructure and Network Growth (AGING) Initiative and Alzheimer's Diagnosis in older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network, &quot (2025)
Gold Medal Winner, CareMobi: Connecting Families and Day Centers. McKnight’s Long-term Care Technology Awards, Keep It Super Simple Category. New York, NY. (2024)
UBS x Luminary Fellow, Supporting Women of Color Founders, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship (FAAN), American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC (2024)
Fellow Status (FGSA), Gerontological Society of America, Seattle, WA. (2024)
Luminary Award, National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America 7 th Nursing Conference. Suffern, NY. (2024)
Judge’s Award for Best Fast Pitch, 2023 National Institute on Aging Start-up Challenge “Shark Tank” Competition, Las Vegas, NV (2023)
Finalist, National Institute on Aging 2023 Start-up Challenge, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Top 10 Reviewer Award - Research in Gerontological Nursing (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2022)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2021)
Woman of Distinction (Rising Star), McKnight’s Long-Term Care, New York, NY (2021)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2019)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2018)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2017)
Valedictorian, New York University (2017)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2017)
Hillman Alumni Network Innovation Fellowship, Hillman Alumni Network (2016)
Doctoral Audience Choice Winner, New York University (2016)
Research Podium Presentation Award, Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association (2016)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2015)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2014)
Spirit of Hillman Award, Hillman Alumni Network (2014)
Summa Cum Laude, Georgetown University
Phi Beta Kappa, Georgetown University

Dementia-literate informal caregivers : An evolutionary concept analysis

Fernandez Cajavilca, M., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 72, Issues 5). 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102224
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Previous concept analyses have not conceptualized an evidence-based definition of the concept of dementia literacy. Methods: Rodger's evolutionary method was used to conceptualize dementia literacy among informal caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the United States. A comprehensive search across four databases and a thorough review process resulted in 22 relevant articles between 2011 and 2023. Discussion: Dementia literacy is defined as the ability to acquire dementia-related knowledge to inform decision-making, self-identify gaps in caregiving support, and secure access to necessary resources to enable long-term care, all while maintaining relationships with an interdisciplinary team of specialized providers. Conclusion: The nursing profession can promote dementia literacy by recognizing the needs of racial and ethnic groups, the complexity of culture and language, and being mindful of potential implicit bias toward informal caregivers who are working diligently to be prepared and proactive for PLWD.

Dementia-literate informal caregivers: An evolutionary concept analysis

Sadarangani, T., Fernandez Cajavilca, M., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 72, Issues 5, p. 102224).
Abstract
Abstract
Previous concept analyses have not conceptualized an evidence-based definition of the concept of dementia literacy.

Dementia-Related Disparities in Adult Day Centers : Results of a Bivariate Analysis

Bofao, J., Bergh, M., Zheng, A., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Journal of gerontological nursing (Vols. 50, Issues 4, pp. 42-47). 10.3928/00989134-20240313-01
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: Adult day services (ADS) are a valuable resource for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and serve a large population of late-life immigrants, often with limited English proficiency (LEP). This secondary data analysis examined potential disparities in diagnosis, dementia severity, medical complexity, and dementia-related behavioral problems in persons with AD/ADRD with LEP within the ADS setting. METHOD: The current study used data from TurboTAR, the electronic health record for ADS in California. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine differences in clinical management for those with and without LEP. RESULTS: Of 3,053 participants included in the study, 42.3% had LEP. Participants with LEP had higher rates of emergency department use and medication mismanagement. However, due to non-standard data collection, there was a significant amount of missing data on language preference (38.1%) and race/ethnicity (46.5%). Although these findings suggest LEP may play a role in the clinical management of persons with AD/ADRD in ADS, missing data caused by lack of standardized collection compromise the results. CONCLUSION: It is essential to improve data collection practices in ADS on language, race, and ethnicity to help identify health disparities and promote equitable care for marginalized older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(4), 42-47.]

Dementia-Related Disparities in Adult Day Centers: Results of a Bivariate Analysis

Sadarangani, T., Bofao, J., Bergh, M., Zheng, A., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Journal of gerontological nursing (Vols. 50, Issues 4, pp. 42-47).
Abstract
Abstract
Adult day services (ADS) are a valuable resource for people living with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and serve a large population of late-life immigrants, often with limited English proficiency (LEP). This secondary data analysis examined potential disparities in diagnosis, dementia severity, medical complexity, and dementia-related behavioral problems in persons with AD/ADRD with LEP within the ADS setting.

Exploring Family Caregivers' Likelihood of Adopting a Novel App That Connects Care Teams of Persons Living With Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study

Sadarangani, T., Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Zheng, A., Bamidele-Sanni, K., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Gerontology & geriatric medicine (Vols. 10, p. 23337214241275638).
Abstract
Abstract
Family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) are often expected to coordinate and manage all aspects of a loved one's day-to-day care across settings with limited modern, user-friendly resources to support them. We developed CareMOBI, a mHealth app prototype that aims to support improved care coordination and communication between care team members. A concurrent mixed-methods triangulation design was used to assess the acceptability and likelihood of adopting CareMOBI among family caregivers of PLWD. Caregivers ( = 13) completed the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). Integration occurred using the four themes of the Technology Acceptance Model. There was strong agreement among family caregivers that CareMOBI had a high perceived value for care ( = 6.23/7), was easy to use ( = 6.20/7), and enhanced current workflows ( = 5.86/7). However, training in utilizing mHealth apps and the need for a Spanish-language version were cited as necessary enhancements to increase the widespread adoption of CareMOBI.

Exploring Family Caregivers’ Likelihood of Adopting a Novel App That Connects Care Teams of Persons Living With Dementia : A Mixed-Methods Study

Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Zheng, A., Bamidele-Sanni, K., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (Vols. 10). 10.1177/23337214241275638
Abstract
Abstract
Family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) are often expected to coordinate and manage all aspects of a loved one’s day-to-day care across settings with limited modern, user-friendly resources to support them. We developed CareMOBI, a mHealth app prototype that aims to support improved care coordination and communication between care team members. A concurrent mixed-methods triangulation design was used to assess the acceptability and likelihood of adopting CareMOBI among family caregivers of PLWD. Caregivers (n = 13) completed the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). Integration occurred using the four themes of the Technology Acceptance Model. There was strong agreement among family caregivers that CareMOBI had a high perceived value for care (M = 6.23/7), was easy to use (M = 6.20/7), and enhanced current workflows (M = 5.86/7). However, training in utilizing mHealth apps and the need for a Spanish-language version were cited as necessary enhancements to increase the widespread adoption of CareMOBI.

An Integrative Review Beyond Language : Barriers to Timely Dementia Diagnosis in Older Latinos with Limited English Proficiency

Sadarangani, T., Cajavilca, M., Squires, A., Wu, B., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Nursing research (Vols. 73, Issues 3, pp. E35-E35).
Abstract
Abstract
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A mixed-methods examination of the acceptability of, CareMOBI, a dementia-focused mhealth app, among primary care providers

Sadarangani, T., Ali, Z., Zhong, J., & Sadarangani, T. R. (2024). In Digital health (Vols. 10, p. 20552076241287361).
Abstract
Abstract
CareMOBI (mhealth for Organization to Bolster Interconnectedness) is a user-centered mobile application that supports secure communication between adult day health centers, primary care providers, and family caregivers. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of CareMOBI in the primary care setting and identify factors contributing to the likelihood of adoption among primary care providers.

A mixed-methods examination of the acceptability of, CareMOBI, a dementia-focused mhealth app, among primary care providers

Ali, Z., Zhong, J., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Digital Health (Vols. 10). 10.1177/20552076241287361
Abstract
Abstract
Background: CareMOBI (mhealth for Organization to Bolster Interconnectedness) is a user-centered mobile application that supports secure communication between adult day health centers, primary care providers, and family caregivers. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of CareMOBI in the primary care setting and identify factors contributing to the likelihood of adoption among primary care providers. Methods: We used a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design. We, first, collected quantitative data using the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Follow-up interview questions allowed participants to elaborate on their experience interacting with CareMOBI. We developed an informational matrix based on major themes within the Technology Acceptance Model (ease of use, value in clinical care, fit within existing workflows, and likelihood of adoption) in which qualitative data were embedded and compared. Results: Our sample included 10 primary care providers. Participants rated CareMOBI high in ease of use (M = 6.71 out of 7), value in clinical care (M = 6.79), and likelihood of adoption (M = 6.71). They found specific functions of CareMOBI helpful, including the summary of health progress and the patient profile. In contrast, participants reported the lowest score for the fit of CareMOBI within existing workflows (M = 5.52). Qualitative feedback attributed this score to concerns over the lack of interoperability between CareMOBI in its current form and electronic health record systems used in the primary care setting. Conclusion: Providers found CareMOBI valuable and easy to use, and there was a high likelihood of eventual adoption. However, apprehensions regarding workflow and electronic health records integration arose, which the team will have to consider as they move forward to the next phase of the application's development.

Reconceptualizing Limited English Proficiency : Achieving Person-Centered Care for Diverse Persons Living With Dementia Through Language

Cajavilca, M. F., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). In Research in Gerontological Nursing (Vols. 17, Issues 3, pp. 110-111). 10.3928/19404921-20240423-01
Abstract
Abstract
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