Understanding how physician networks impact care for diabetic foot wounds

Physician Networks for Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds

NIH-funded research Rand Corporation · NIH-10845691

This study is looking at how older adults with foot wounds from diabetes get the care they need, especially how their doctors and referrals might affect their treatment, and it aims to find ways to make healthcare better for everyone, regardless of their background.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRand Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Monica, United States)
Project IDNIH-10845691 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the healthcare experiences of older adults with diabetic lower extremity wounds, focusing on how physician networks and referral patterns affect access to care. By analyzing Medicare data, the study aims to identify disparities in healthcare utilization based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Patients will be tracked over a six-month period following their initial diagnosis to assess how these factors influence their treatment and outcomes. The goal is to uncover insights that can lead to improved healthcare strategies for this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with a new diabetic lower extremity wound.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have diabetic lower extremity wounds may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable healthcare access and improved outcomes for patients with diabetic foot wounds.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing disparities in healthcare access can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Santa Monica, 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.