Improving access to blood thinners for Black patients with heart rhythm issues

Shared Decision-Making to Reduce Racial Disparities in Oral Anticoagulation Use in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10914672

This study is working to help Black patients with atrial fibrillation better understand and access blood-thinning medications that can reduce their risk of stroke, by creating a helpful tool for patients and doctors to make decisions together about treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914672 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the racial disparities in the use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) among Black patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), who are less likely to receive these medications despite having a higher risk of stroke. The project will develop a patient decision support tool to facilitate shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers, enhancing understanding and acceptance of OAC treatment options. By focusing on improving decision quality and increasing the uptake of these medications, the research seeks to empower patients and improve health outcomes in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black individuals diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who may benefit from anticoagulation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or those without a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased use of blood thinners among Black patients with NVAF, reducing their risk of stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that shared decision-making tools can improve patient outcomes and treatment adherence, suggesting a promising approach in this context.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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 2026-06-09 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.