# Exploring Pathways to Equitable Outcomes in Post-Stroke Aphasia and Dysphagia

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2024 · $595,104

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Evidence suggests quality of care has substantially improved in the in the US has over last 25 years. However,
wide variability exists in the quality of care that some patient groups receive. Some suggest that structural
barriers in within healthcare systems and in post-discharge community settings translate into racial-ethnic
disparities in outcomes for conditions such as aphasia and dysphagia. To date, studies have not examined the
role structural barriers play role in disparities in outcomes. In this study we propose to test the hypothesis that
structural barriers at various stages of the post-stroke treatment condition for conditions like aphasia and
dysphagia contribute to differences in quality of rehabilitation care and subsequently to racial-ethnic differences
in aphasia and dysphagia outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine how healthcare institutions and
healthcare provider practices impacts the receipt of quality rehabilitative care and whether it translates into racial
disparities in post-stroke outcomes. The objective of this project will be achieved by the completion of the
following specific aims: Aim 1: Determine how availability, accessibility, and quality of post-stroke acute
inpatient care contribute to disparate outcomes of individuals with aphasia and dysphagia. We
hypothesize that processes embedded in healthcare settings and communities where stroke survivors live will
dictate: a) access to specific types of care, b) the path of care progression, and c) intensity of care. Aim 2:
Determine how the timing and transition of care contribute to disparate outcomes of individuals with
aphasia and dysphagia. We hypothesize that processes embedded in healthcare settings will lead to variations
in the timing and transition from acute to post-acute care of stroke survivors with aphasia and dysphagia as they
move across different facilities/systems of care. Aim 3: Determine how the post-discharge community
environments contribute to disparate outcomes of individuals with aphasia and dysphagia. We
hypothesize that personal, social, and community measures of prosperity and disadvantage will contribute to
racial disparities in outcomes among individuals with aphasia and dysphagia. To complete this study we will use
Medicare claims data which will enable us to track the care of stroke survivors with aphasia and dysphagia
across the entire continuum of care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10839390
- **Project number:** 5R01DC021065-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Ellis
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $595,104
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10839390

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10839390, Exploring Pathways to Equitable Outcomes in Post-Stroke Aphasia and Dysphagia (5R01DC021065-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10839390. Licensed CC0.

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