Examining how structural racism affects access to stroke care in hospitals
Official title: Structural Racism and Discrimination in the Expansion of Hospital Stroke Care Capacity: A Multi-Level Analysis on Access to Care, Treatment, and Outcomes
Funded at National Bureau of Economic Research · NIH-11004148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Bureau of Economic Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $493,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD017482-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the identified health disparity populations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
National Bureau of Economic Research
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Yu-Chu — National Bureau of Economic Research
- Study coordinator: Shen, Yu-Chu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.