Improving primary care in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

Primary Care Transformation in Puerto Rico's Physician Organizations Following Hurricane Maria

NIH-funded research Rand Corporation · NIH-10984994

This study looks at how doctors and healthcare groups in Puerto Rico can make primary care better for older adults and others in need after Hurricane Maria, by finding out what works best to improve access to healthcare.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRand Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Monica, United States)
Project IDNIH-10984994 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Puerto Rico's physician organizations can transform their primary care systems following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. It focuses on understanding the different types of physician organizations, such as federally qualified health centers and independent medical groups, and how they can improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. By analyzing Medicare data, the research aims to identify trends and best practices that can enhance healthcare delivery in the region. The findings could inform policymakers and healthcare providers on effective strategies for rebuilding and improving health services.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly residents of Puerto Rico, particularly those living in remote areas affected by Hurricane Maria.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in Puerto Rico or are not elderly may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to primary care services for elderly patients in Puerto Rico.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted improvements in primary care systems can significantly enhance healthcare access and outcomes in disaster-affected regions.

Where this research is happening

Santa Monica, 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 2026-06-13 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.