Examining the impact of health workforce policies on maternal health disparities

Reducing Maternal Health Disparities: Effects of Recent Health Workforce Policies

NIH-funded research Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · NIH-10895368

This study looks at how new health programs, like the National Health Service Corps, are helping improve the health of mothers in areas that don’t have enough medical care, especially in rural and low-income neighborhoods, to see if these changes are making a real difference for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10895368 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how recent health workforce policies, particularly the expansion of the National Health Service Corps, affect maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. It focuses on the challenges faced by women in regions lacking adequate access to obstetric care, such as rural and disadvantaged urban communities. By analyzing data on maternal care access and outcomes, the study aims to identify the effectiveness of these policies in reducing disparities in maternal health. The findings could provide valuable insights for future healthcare policy and resource allocation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are reproductive-age women living in health professional shortage areas who are at risk of maternal health disparities.

Not a fit: Patients living in areas with adequate access to maternal healthcare services may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes for women in underserved communities by informing better healthcare policies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that policy interventions like the National Health Service Corps can improve healthcare access, but this specific evaluation of maternal health disparities is novel.

Where this research is happening

Canton, 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 2026-06-10 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.