Improving access to medical transport services for rural patients
Official title: Using spatial analytics and social determinants of health to redefine critical access to medical transport services for rural populations
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10874489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how where you live and your community can make it harder for people in rural areas to get emergency medical transport, like during a heart attack or stroke, and it aims to find better ways to help these patients get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD018435-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who may require emergency medical transport services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those who do not require emergency medical transport services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how geographic and social factors affect access to medical transport services for patients living in rural areas. It aims to analyze data on interhospital transfers, particularly during emergencies like heart attacks or strokes, to understand the challenges faced by these patients. By examining social determinants of health and their impact on patient outcomes, the study seeks to identify ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical transport services. The goal is to create a more equitable healthcare system for rural populations by addressing the unique barriers they face.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved medical transport services, ultimately saving lives and enhancing health outcomes for rural patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants of health can significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reimer, Andrew Paul — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Reimer, Andrew Paul
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.