Racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11362000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at why Black and Hispanic adults have less access to kidney transplantation and how doctors’ communication and clinic interactions may shape those differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2017 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $669,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK115629-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with CKD stage 4-5 who are potential kidney transplant candidates, particularly Black and Hispanic patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for transplant or not engaged with the healthcare systems studied may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use electronic health record data from several health systems to explore how provider notes and interactions influence referral for kidney transplant candidacy and waitlisting among adults with advanced kidney disease. The study focuses on CKD stage 4-5 patients and examines whether race/ethnicity is linked to the language used in notes and the frequency of visits or conversations about transplantation. The goal is to identify system-level barriers and opportunities to ensure equitable access to transplantation for all eligible patients. Findings could inform changes in provider training, documentation practices, and referral processes to reduce disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more equitable referral and waitlisting for kidney transplantation among Black and Hispanic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown disparities, but this study aims to illuminate provider- and system-level factors that could be addressed to reduce gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ku, Elaine — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ku, Elaine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project works to reduce harmful donor-specific antibodies in people who are sensitized and need a kidney transplant so their new organ lasts longer.
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-
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A US-wide program trains patients, caregivers, and their networks with coaching to help them pursue living donor kidney transplantation.
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.