Exploring how cultural factors affect mental health care for Veterans and Black patients
Official title: Whole Health in VA Mental Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Omnis Salutis
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-10818895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being a Veteran or part of a racial group affects how patients and doctors interact in mental health care, with the goal of finding better ways to help Veterans and Black patients feel more comfortable and get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 3I01RX003938-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Veterans and Black patients seeking mental health care who may experience barriers due to cultural factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Veterans or Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social and cultural factors, particularly Veteran identity and racial identity, influence the behaviors and beliefs of patients and healthcare providers in mental health settings. It aims to understand the barriers to patient-centered care that Veterans and Black patients face, such as medical mistrust and reluctance to seek treatment. By conducting qualitative interviews and utilizing patient-centered communication techniques, the study seeks to identify effective strategies to improve engagement and care outcomes for these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health care practices that are more culturally sensitive and effective for Veterans and Black patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that culturally tailored communication can improve patient engagement and trust, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hack, Samantha — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hack, Samantha
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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.