Improving access to stroke care for underserved populations

Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Care Access Using Hospital Transfer Networks

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11088934

This study is looking at ways to make sure that everyone, especially those in minority and underserved communities, can get quick and effective stroke care by improving how hospitals work together to transfer patients to specialized centers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088934 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance access to timely stroke care for minority and underserved populations by optimizing hospital transfer networks. It focuses on the disparities in access to critical interventions like intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, which are essential for reducing disability and death from strokes. The study aims to identify and implement effective strategies for transferring patients from smaller hospitals to specialized stroke centers, ensuring that all patients receive high-quality care regardless of their geographic location. By addressing the dynamic nature of interhospital transfers, the research seeks to create a more equitable healthcare system for stroke treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from minority or underserved communities who are at risk of experiencing a stroke.

Not a fit: Patients who live in areas with adequate access to stroke care and do not face barriers related to race or socioeconomic status may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to life-saving stroke interventions for underserved populations, reducing disparities in outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that optimizing hospital transfer protocols can improve access to care, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-15 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.