Andrea J. Ibarra, MD, MS, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Acceptance (IDEA) Committee for the UPMC Anesthesiology Residency Program, and BaDoi Phan, PhD, an MD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, have been awarded a 2024 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Committee on Professional Diversity Mentoring Grant. Their funded project will investigate the critical intersection of socioeconomic factors and anesthesia management for obstetric (OB) patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).
The prevalence of OUD among OB patients has become a pressing public health issue, with a disproportionate impact on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. From 2010 to 2017, maternal opioid-related diagnoses increased by 131% nationwide, while access to OUD treatment remained particularly limited in rural and socioeconomically challenged areas.
This innovative study aims to address the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and OB anesthesia care for patients with OUD. The primary goals encompass:
- Identifying and quantifying disparities in care of patients with OUD
- Exploring the relationship between area deprivation and clinical outcomes
- Developing insights to inform more equitable and patient-centered care practices
Drs. Ibarra and Phan's research seeks to uncover and address potential inequities in healthcare delivery, potentially transforming the approach to managing OUD in pregnancy and childbirth.
The research team plans to employ a machine learning approach to analyze complex relationships between socioeconomic factors and clinical outcomes. This cutting-edge methodology aims to uncover nuanced patterns that may not be apparent through traditional analysis methods. By addressing a significant gap in understanding how socioeconomic barriers impact clinical care, this project aims to provide actionable insights to improve care for disadvantaged populations and promote health equity in anesthesiology practice.
Dr. Ibarra brings her expertise to the project as an accomplished researcher, faculty member, and leader of diversity and inclusion initiatives in our department. Dr. Phan contributes his interdisciplinary background, having completed a PhD in Computational Biology at Carnegie Mellon University in 2023 and currently finishing his medical degree as part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Scientist Training Program.
The project aligns closely with the ASA Committee on Professional Diversity's mission to support members from diverse backgrounds and promote equity in anesthesiology. Drs. Ibarra and Phan's research promises to contribute valuable insights aimed at reducing disparities in healthcare and fostering diversity in clinical practice.
For more information on the ASA Committee on Professional Diversity and their diversity grant awarding program, please visit the ASA Mentoring Grant Program website.