Identifying inequities in lung transplantation: a call for strategies and future research

Meghan J Price ¹, Sachiko M Oshima ², Daniel M Guidot ²

⁰Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Jhlt Open +

|

March 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities persist in lung transplantation, leading to worse outcomes for minoritized groups. This study outlines a roadmap to address these disparities and achieve transplant equity.

Area Of Science

Transplant Surgery
Health Equity Research
Public Health Policy

Background

Solid organ transplantation has advanced significantly, yet disparities in access and outcomes persist.
Patients from minoritized racial/ethnic and low socioeconomic groups face lower referral rates, reduced waitlist access, and higher mortality.
Existing research on the drivers of these inequities, particularly in lung transplantation, is limited.

Purpose Of The Study

To lay a roadmap toward achieving equity in lung transplantation.
To highlight existing literature on lung transplant inequities.
To identify critical research needs and propose strategies for future action.

Main Methods

Review of available literature on lung transplantation inequities.
Identification of knowledge gaps and understudied areas.
Proposal of a strategic framework for future research and policy interventions.

Main Results

Significant disparities exist in lung transplant referral, waitlisting, and outcomes based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
The root causes of these inequities are poorly understood due to limited research.
A clear need exists for systematic research and targeted interventions to address these disparities.

Conclusions

Urgent call to action for researchers to systematically study lung transplant disparities.
Need for health systems, organizations, and policymakers to implement changes to reduce inequities.
Achieving equity in lung transplantation requires a multi-faceted approach addressing systemic barriers.

Keywords:

access to care end-stage lung disease (ESLD) health disparities health inequity lung transplantation