Examining how structural racism affects access to stroke care in hospitals

Structural Racism and Discrimination in the Expansion of Hospital Stroke Care Capacity: A Multi-Level Analysis on Access to Care, Treatment, and Outcomes

NIH-funded research National Bureau of Economic Research · NIH-11004148

This study looks at how unfair treatment and racism affect the quality and availability of stroke care for people in the U.S. who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, like racial minorities or those living in rural areas, to help find ways to make stroke treatment fairer for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNational Bureau of Economic Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004148 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how structural racism and discrimination impact the availability and quality of stroke care for disadvantaged populations in the United States. By analyzing national data from 2009 to 2019, the study aims to uncover the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to stroke treatment for racial/ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and those living in rural areas. The research will explore how these disparities manifest in both the adoption of stroke care services and the actual treatment received by patients in segregated communities. The findings could help identify critical pathways for improving access to care for those most affected by these disparities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include racial/ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and rural residents who are at risk for stroke or have experienced a stroke.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the identified health disparity populations may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to stroke care for disadvantaged populations, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on structural racism in stroke care is novel, previous research has highlighted disparities in healthcare access and treatment outcomes for disadvantaged populations.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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.