Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare transitions and health outcomes for vulnerable elderly populations

ImpAct of COVID-19 on CaRe TransitOns and Health OutcomeS for Vulnerable PopulationS in Nursing Homes and Home HealthCARE Agencies (ACROSS-CARE)

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10842294

This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way older adults, especially those from minority backgrounds and rural areas, move from hospitals to home care or nursing homes, and it aims to understand how these changes have affected their health and safety.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10842294 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the transition of elderly patients from hospitals to home healthcare agencies and nursing homes, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as racial/ethnic minorities and rural residents. It aims to describe changes in infection prevention and control practices in these facilities and assess how disruptions in care have impacted health outcomes. By analyzing data on hospital admissions and discharges, the study seeks to understand the broader implications of the pandemic on health disparities among older adults. The research employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather insights from various healthcare settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals, particularly those from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds or rural areas, who are receiving care in nursing homes or home healthcare agencies.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have comorbidities, as well as those not receiving care in nursing homes or home healthcare settings, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare practices and policies that enhance the safety and health outcomes of vulnerable elderly populations during and after pandemics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that implementing best practices in infection prevention and control can significantly reduce nosocomial infections, indicating that this research builds on established successful approaches.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Infectious Disease PathwayInfectious DiseasesInfectious DisorderCommunicable Diseases
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.