Understanding infection risks in home health care patients and their caregivers

Disparities in Infection in Home Health and Patients/Caregivers' Perceptions (Dis-Infection in HHC)

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10909147

This study is looking at how home health care can sometimes lead to infections, especially for people who might not have easy access to healthcare, and it wants to understand what makes it harder for them to stay healthy at home.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909147 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients receiving home health care (HHC), particularly focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. It aims to understand how factors like limited access to healthcare resources and poor living conditions contribute to infection risks. The study will utilize a mixed methods approach over five years, examining infection events and infection prevention practices from the perspectives of both patients and their informal caregivers. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to identify barriers to effective infection control in HHC settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include home health care patients, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and their informal caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who do not receive home health care services or those who are not at risk for healthcare-associated infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved infection prevention strategies for vulnerable home health care patients, ultimately enhancing their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While limited studies have explored infection risks in home health care, this research aims to build on previous findings and address gaps, making it a novel approach in this area.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-10 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.