Understanding barriers to using arteriovenous fistulas in black patients on dialysis
Official title: Barriers to arteriovenous fistula use in black hemodialysis patients
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10551916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why black patients with kidney failure are less likely to use a certain type of access for dialysis compared to white patients, and it aims to gather insights from both patients and healthcare providers to help improve care for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $457,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD013818-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10551916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are black patients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing hemodialysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing hemodialysis or do not have end-stage renal disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons why black patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are less likely to use arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for dialysis compared to white patients. It aims to identify patient, provider, and systemic factors that contribute to these disparities. By conducting interviews and surveys, the study will gather insights from patients and healthcare providers about their experiences and perceptions regarding AVF use. The findings will help inform strategies to improve vascular access planning and care for black patients on dialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to life-saving dialysis treatments for black patients by addressing the barriers to AVF use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, suggesting that addressing these barriers could lead to significant improvements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allon, Michael — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Allon, Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Optimizing a prehabilitation program for kidney transplant candidates on dialysis
A program to improve physical function and readiness for kidney transplant in people on dialysis is being developed and tested to help candidates stay healthier while they wait.
-
Simulator-based training to improve dialysis needle skills for patients with kidney failure
A new simulator-based curriculum will train dialysis care providers to position and insert needles more safely and consistently for people with end-stage kidney disease.
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Implanted dialysis device for safe, easy at-home hemodialysis
A new implanted dialysis cartridge and at-home system aim to let people with kidney failure dialyze themselves more safely and conveniently at home.
-
Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Improving how patients choose their hemodialysis access
A patient-friendly project to help people with kidney failure better understand and decide between AV fistula, graft, or catheter for hemodialysis.
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.