Facilitated Transition to Primary Care for Postpartum

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMark A Clapp, MD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The lack of postpartum primary care coordination is a missed opportunity to increase primary care engagement and manage chronic conditions early in life, especially for the \>30% of pregnant people who have or are at risk for these conditions. This study aims to increase postpartum primary care engagement, quality, and experience by strengthening postpartum transitions to primary care using a behavioral economics-informed, multi-component intervention integrated into usual inpatient postpartum care. Using a randomized controlled trial and repeated outcome assessments through administrative and survey data, this study will generate rigorous, actionable evidence to ensure primary care coordination becomes standard postpartum care practice, potentially catalyzing sustained primary care engagement throughout life.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for postpartum individuals with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or obesity. It aims to help those who have just given birth and are at risk of or already dealing with these health issues.

Inclusion Criteria

Admitted to Mass General Hospital on a postpartum care unit after delivery

Currently are or willing to be enrolled in the secure patient messaging portal affiliated with the health system's electronic health record

I have a history of anxiety, depression, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity noted in my medical records.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Admitted after stillbirth or neonatal death

Participant Groups

The study tests a new way to improve the transition from postpartum care to regular primary care. Participants will receive extra support through a program designed using behavioral economics principles to see if it enhances their engagement and management of chronic conditions.

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: Routine CareActive Control1 Intervention

Routine postpartum care

Group II: Facilitated Transition GroupActive Control1 Intervention

The intervention is integrated into routine inpatient postpartum care and includes the following components: default PCP visit scheduling, tailored nudge messages to patients, ongoing care recommendations sent to the PCP, and a summary of recommendations after pregnancy given to the patient.