Patient Navigation for Cardiovascular Health After Pregnancy

(HERE Trial)

This trial examines whether extra support from a patient navigator can help individuals who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy manage their heart health more effectively. Conditions like preeclampsia increase the risk of heart problems, yet follow-up care often falls short after childbirth. Participants will receive either standard care or standard care plus assistance from a patient navigator. The navigator will help connect participants to health services and clarify health risks. This trial targets those who gave birth at Boston Medical Center in the last two months and had high blood pressure during pregnancy. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity for personalized support and potential improvement in long-term heart health.

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since participants must have an active prescription for at least one blood pressure medication, it seems likely that you can continue your current medications.

Previous research has shown that patient navigation programs are safe and well-received by participants. These programs involve trained staff who assist patients in understanding their health risks and navigating the healthcare system. No reports of serious side effects have emerged from using patient navigation in healthcare settings. As this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, it assesses the program's practicality and acceptability rather than testing a new drug or medical device. This focus minimizes safety risks, making it a low-risk option for potential participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Patient Navigation Program because it offers a new way to support cardiovascular health in postpartum individuals. Unlike the standard care that typically ends after hospital discharge, this program provides ongoing support through a Community Wellness Advocate. This approach focuses on continuous, personalized guidance and monitoring, which could lead to better long-term health outcomes for new mothers. The unique feature of this program is its emphasis on sustained, community-based engagement, which is not a standard part of current postpartum care.

Research shows that patient navigation programs can help people manage their health more effectively. These programs often employ trained staff to assist patients in connecting with healthcare services and understanding their health risks. In this trial, participants in the postpartum patient navigation arm will receive support from a Community Wellness Advocate to maintain heart-healthy habits and follow-up care after childbirth. Although few studies focus specifically on navigation programs for heart health post-childbirth, similar programs have demonstrated positive outcomes in other areas. For instance, patient navigation has helped individuals follow medical advice and improve their health across various healthcare settings. Having a guide can simplify maintaining heart-healthy habits and keeping up with follow-up care, which is crucial for those who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰