Patient Navigation for Cardiovascular Health After Pregnancy

(HERE Trial)

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RR
Overseen ByRuth Rodriguez, BS
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Boston Medical Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will examine whether a patient navigation program can help improve long-term heart health among people who experienced high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy at Boston Medical Center (BMC). Conditions such as preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. However, many patients do not receive timely follow-up care after pregnancy, especially once routine postpartum care ends.

about 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard care, which includes clinician-directed counseling about cardiovascular risk and recommendations for follow-up care. The other group will receive support from a patient navigator in addition to standard care. Patient navigators, also known as Community Wellness Advocates (CWAs), are trained staff who help patients connect with health services, understand their health risks, and navigate the healthcare system.

The main goals of the study are to determine whether this navigation program is practical to implement and acceptable to patients and healthcare providers. Researchers will also examine whether the program improves follow-up with primary care, cardiovascular risk assessment, and engagement in heart-healthy behaviors. Information will be collected from medical records, surveys, and interviews with participants and healthcare staff. Participants will be followed for one year

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Mara Murray Horwitz, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Boston Medical Center, General Internal Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people who had high blood pressure problems during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, and received care at Boston Medical Center. Participants should be adults who can take part in follow-up visits after giving birth.

Inclusion Criteria

Gave birth at Boston Medical Center (BMC) in the past 2 months
Scheduled for follow-up in the postpartum bridge clinic at BMC
Planning to continue using Boston Medical Center for their health care
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Planning pregnancy in next 3 months
Planning to move out of Massachusetts within the postpartum year
I have been diagnosed with heart or blood vessel disease.

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Patient Navigation Program

Trial Overview

The study compares two groups: one gets standard heart health advice and follow-up care, while the other also receives help from a patient navigator to guide them through healthcare services. Participants are randomly assigned to each group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Postpartum patient navigationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Standard of careActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
410
Recruited
890,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials
3,987
Recruited
47,860,000+