Improving care for premature infants to prevent a serious intestinal condition.
Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Disparities with a Neonatal Project ECHO
This study is working to improve care for premature babies at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), especially for Black and Hispanic infants, by using a team-based learning program to share helpful practices with hospitals that need extra support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11021716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on reducing disparities in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among premature infants, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic populations. It utilizes a collaborative learning model called Project ECHO to enhance education and resources in under-resourced neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). By implementing best practices for NEC prevention and engaging with patient-family advocates, the project aims to improve care quality and outcomes for vulnerable infants. The approach includes a stepped-wedge clinical trial design to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those from Black and Hispanic communities, who are at higher risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature infants or those who do not belong to the affected demographic groups may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants, leading to better health outcomes and lower mortality rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar collaborative learning models in improving health outcomes in underserved populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gephart, Sheila Maria — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Gephart, Sheila Maria
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 below.