Understanding barriers to liver transplant access in the Southeast
Official title: Identifying determinants of access to the early steps of liver transplant in the Southeast
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11042718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why some people with severe liver disease have a harder time getting liver transplants than others, especially focusing on differences related to race, income, and where they live, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for everyone to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $131,085 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MD018455-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, particularly those from racial and socioeconomic backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in transplant programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with end-stage liver disease or those who do not face barriers to accessing transplant services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that affect access to liver transplants for patients with end-stage liver disease, particularly focusing on disparities related to race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. It aims to identify the challenges patients face in being referred to transplant centers and undergoing the necessary evaluations. By analyzing data from various communities, the study seeks to uncover the reasons behind these disparities and propose solutions to improve access for underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to liver transplants for patients who currently face barriers, ultimately enhancing their treatment options and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted disparities in access to healthcare services, suggesting that addressing these issues could lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross-Driscoll, Katie — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ross-Driscoll, Katie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
-
Biomarker-guided reduction of immunosuppression after liver transplant
A multicenter trial tests whether using blood biomarkers to guide tapering of immunosuppression in adults with liver transplants can keep people healthy while lowering drug exposure.
-
Understanding how liver disease progresses in people waiting for a liver transplant
A study will build a knowledge base that maps how liver disease worsens over time in patients on the transplant waitlist to improve care and planning.
-
Biomarkers to tailor liver transplant immunosuppression
A multi-center study using blood biomarkers to guide how immunosuppressive drugs are given to liver transplant patients.
-
Pre-Transplant Immune Health Marker Panel to Predict Liver Transplant Outcomes
A patient-facing biomarker test used before liver transplant to help doctors estimate the risk of early death after the transplant.
-
Thinking skills and self-care after a liver transplant
This project follows people who received liver transplants to learn how changes in thinking and memory affect managing medicines, clinic visits, and overall health.
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.