A tool to help clinicians become more empathetic and reduce bias

EleVATE-Clinicians: a tool to mitigate implicit bias by increasing clinicians' empathy

['FUNDING_R21'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10709549

This study is looking at whether teaching doctors and nurses to be more empathetic and aware of racial issues can help improve the care and health outcomes for pregnant Black women, like reducing stress and the chances of early or low-weight births.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10709549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how training clinicians in empathy and anti-racist principles can improve care for pregnant Black women. By focusing on group prenatal care, the study aims to understand if clinicians who develop higher empathy can lead to better pregnancy outcomes, such as reduced perinatal depression and lower rates of preterm birth and low birthweight. The approach involves measuring clinician empathy through validated assessments and observing the effects on their patients' experiences and outcomes. The study leverages existing trials to explore the connection between clinician training and patient health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant Black women who may benefit from group prenatal care and are experiencing perinatal depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not identify as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and pregnancy outcomes for Black women through enhanced clinician empathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that group prenatal care can improve outcomes for Black women, suggesting that this approach may be effective in enhancing clinician empathy as well.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.