Investigating racial differences in disability and physical therapy use after hospitalization
Racial Differences in Hospital-Associated Disability and Acute and Post-Acute Care Physical Therapy Utilization
This study is looking at how differences in race, especially for Black patients, can impact recovery and the use of physical therapy after being in the hospital, and it aims to understand how social challenges affect these experiences to help improve care for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how racial differences, particularly among Black patients, affect the development of hospital-associated disability (HAD) and the utilization of physical therapy (PT) services after hospitalization. The study will analyze data from multiple academic medical centers in Chicago to identify disparities in functional impairments and PT referrals. It aims to understand how social vulnerability influences these outcomes and to explore patients' perspectives on mobility loss and participation in PT. By assessing these factors, the research seeks to improve care and rehabilitation for older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized patients aged 65 and older, particularly those who identify as Black and may experience social vulnerabilities.
Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or those who do not identify as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical therapy access and better rehabilitation outcomes for older Black patients after hospitalization.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among different racial groups, suggesting that this study's focus on racial differences in rehabilitation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Maylyn — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Maylyn
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.