NIH launches research program to reduce health disparities in surgical outcomes

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Updates

NIH launches research program to reduce health disparities in surgical outcomes

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has launched an initiative to support research to better understand and address disparities in surgical care and outcomes for disadvantaged populations. The new surgical disparities research program will involve collaborations among several NIH institutes and centers, along with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Full funding levels will be determined by the number of meritorious grant applications received. 

Research has demonstrated that the benefits of surgical procedures are not equal across the population. For example, a study of surgical disparities in the United States showed an increase in surgical mortality rates among patients with lower socioeconomic status independent of race, age, access to care, hospital facility, or insurance status. 

The research initiative, which has been approved by the National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities, provides R01 and R21 opportunities to understand and address disparities in surgical care and outcomes. It also builds on the concerted efforts of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and its affiliated institutions in improving access, quality, and safe surgical care for all population groups. This includes the establishment of a national research agenda to address surgical disparities, launched by the ACS in May 2015, following a symposium on disparities in surgical care and outcomes held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. 

“Disparities in surgical care can result in poorer functional outcomes, prolonged rehabilitation, recovery and lower quality of life, particularly for disadvantaged population groups. Racial and ethnic minority and low-income population groups are often times disproportionately affected by access, availability and affordability to the most advanced health care services.” 

-NIMHD Director Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D.

Learn more about this research initiative 

Twitter