Examining the impact of hospital closures on heart attack care for rural Americans

Disruptions in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Transfer Networks and Cardiovascular Health of Rural Americans

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11079482

This study looks at how problems with getting heart attack patients from rural hospitals to specialized care affect their health, helping us understand the challenges these patients face and how it impacts their treatment and recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11079482 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how disruptions in transfer networks for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) affect the cardiovascular health of rural Americans. It focuses on the challenges faced by patients who need to be transferred from rural hospitals to specialized facilities for urgent heart treatments. By analyzing the effects of hospital closures and the resulting changes in transfer networks, the study aims to understand how these disruptions impact treatment times and patient outcomes. The research employs a combination of biostatistical analysis and geographic assessments to evaluate the implications for patient care in rural areas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include rural residents who have experienced or are at risk for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those who do not require transfer to specialized heart care facilities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing heart attack care in rural communities, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the impact of hospital closures on acute myocardial infarction outcomes, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.