Improving care for premature infants to prevent a serious intestinal condition.
Official title: Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Disparities with a Neonatal Project ECHO
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11021716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $394,280 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HS030226-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those from Black and Hispanic communities, who are at higher risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature infants or those who do not belong to the affected demographic groups may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.