Examining hospice care disparities in nursing homes for elderly patients

Health Disparities in Hospice in Nursing Homes

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10912788

This study is looking into how different groups of elderly people in nursing homes, especially those from racial and ethnic minorities, experience hospice care, aiming to understand why some don’t enroll in hospice and how the care they receive can be improved, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the disparities in hospice care among elderly residents in nursing homes, particularly focusing on racial and ethnic minorities. It aims to understand the factors that contribute to low hospice enrollment rates and the quality of end-of-life care provided. By utilizing a mixed methods approach, the study will analyze existing data and conduct interviews to gather insights on the experiences of nursing home residents and their families. The research will also explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice use and care outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include elderly nursing home residents, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who may be facing disparities in hospice care.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in nursing homes or those who do not require hospice care may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to hospice care and better end-of-life experiences for elderly patients in nursing homes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated disparities in hospice care, but this study aims to provide new insights into the specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these disparities.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.