Examining ICU Admission Patterns Based on Gender and Ethnicity

Ethnic and Gender Based Admittance Patterns in the ICU, a Multicenter, International Randomized Survey Study

Observational Karolinska Institutet · NCT05513456

This study looks at whether doctors admit patients to the ICU differently based on their gender and ethnicity, even when they are seriously ill.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT05513456 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates potential biases in ICU admission practices related to gender and ethnicity. It aims to determine whether intensive care physicians have differing thresholds for admitting patients based on non-medical factors, despite the presence of critical illness. Using a blinded randomized factorial survey, the study will analyze responses from intensive care physicians to assess their decision-making processes. The findings could reveal disparities in treatment that may affect patient outcomes in the ICU.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are intensive care physicians, both in training and specialists, who are involved in the admission process.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the ICU admission process or those outside the scope of critical illness may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more equitable ICU admission practices, improving outcomes for underrepresented patient groups.

How similar studies have performed: While there is growing attention on gender and ethnic disparities in healthcare, this specific approach to studying ICU admission patterns is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

We will include intensive care physicians, both in training and specialists as responders in this randomized survey study

Exclusion Criteria:

We will exclude "button-mashers", i.e. participating respondents that toggle through the case descriptions faster than they possibly could read the case description. A case answered \<20 seconds will be ruled out.

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessGender EqualityDiscrimination, SexDiscrimination, Racial
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.