Understanding how biases in health data affect patient care

Health equity and the impacts of EHR data bias associated with social determinants

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11081727

This study looks at how things like money troubles and discrimination can lead to unfair information in health records, and it aims to find ways to make sure that healthcare predictions work well for everyone, so all patients get the care they deserve.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11081727 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how social determinants of health, such as financial security and discrimination, create biases in electronic health records (EHRs) that can affect patient care. By analyzing these biases, the research aims to develop methods to ensure that risk prediction algorithms used in healthcare are fair and effective for all patients. The goal is to identify and address the inequities that arise from biased data, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for diverse populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have experienced disparities in healthcare access or outcomes due to social determinants of health.

Not a fit: Patients who do not face any barriers related to social determinants of health may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable healthcare practices and improved health outcomes for patients from marginalized communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that addressing biases in healthcare data can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Portland, 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.