Understanding how social factors affect recovery after hospital care in different communities.

Evaluation of Post-Acute Care Access and Outcomes: Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Urban and Rural Rehabilitation Service Areas Before and After COVID-19

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11043355

This study looks at how things like income and education affect whether people can get the care they need after recovering from health issues like strokes or surgeries, and it aims to find ways to improve rehab services for everyone, especially in different areas after the pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043355 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how social determinants of health, such as economic and educational factors, impact access to post-acute care services for patients recovering from conditions like stroke, hip fractures, and joint replacements. By analyzing data from Medicare claims and social determinants datasets, the study aims to identify disparities in care access and outcomes between urban and rural areas, especially before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved rehabilitation services tailored to their community's needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have recently been discharged from hospitals after experiencing a stroke, hip fracture, or joint replacement.

Not a fit: Patients who are not recovering from the specified conditions or who do not require post-acute care services may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced access to rehabilitation services and better health outcomes for patients recovering from major surgeries or health events.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted the importance of social determinants in healthcare access, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on post-acute care in the context of COVID-19 is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, 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.