Examining the impact of hospital closures on heart attack care for rural Americans
Official title: Disruptions in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Transfer Networks and Cardiovascular Health of Rural Americans
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11079482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $404,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153179-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include rural residents who have experienced or are at risk for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those who do not require transfer to specialized heart care facilities may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikpay, Sayeh Sander — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Nikpay, Sayeh Sander
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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.