Impact of Hurricane Maria on kidney care and patient outcomes in Puerto Rico
Official title: Long-Term Effects of Hurricane Maria on Healthcare Delivery, Migration and Mortality Among People with Kidney Failure in Puerto Rico
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10817224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how Hurricane Maria affected people with kidney failure in Puerto Rico by making it harder for them to get the dialysis they need, and it aims to understand how this has impacted their health and care over time, so we can better prepare for future disasters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $458,964 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016961-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with kidney failure who were affected by Hurricane Maria and experienced disruptions in their dialysis care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have kidney failure or were not impacted by Hurricane Maria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of Hurricane Maria on healthcare delivery for individuals with kidney failure in Puerto Rico. It focuses on how the hurricane disrupted access to essential dialysis services, leading to potential increases in mortality and migration among patients. By analyzing longitudinal data and conducting interviews with healthcare providers, the study aims to understand the broader implications of the disaster on this vulnerable population's health and care continuity. The findings could inform future disaster preparedness and healthcare policies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare delivery systems and policies for kidney failure patients during and after natural disasters.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown that natural disasters significantly impact healthcare access and patient outcomes, suggesting that this study could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rivera-Hernandez, Maricruz — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Rivera-Hernandez, Maricruz
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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.