Facilitated Transitions From Postpartum to Primary Care Coordination for People With Chronic Conditions
Recruiting · Boston, Massachusetts
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
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.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
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.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •You are getting obstetric care at an MGH-affiliated obstetrics practice (with an exception for the MGH HOPE Clinic, which has a special model that includes primary care for 2+ years postpartum).
- •You are pregnant with a live baby or you delivered a live-born baby at ≥24 weeks of pregnancy.
- •If you are postpartum, your baby is still living when you enroll.
- •You have at least one long-term condition listed in the medical record (high blood pressure, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity with BMI ≥35, or depression or anxiety).
- •You are at least 18 years old and have a primary care clinician listed, plus you can use the patient portal (agree to enrollment and contact).
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •You do not meet every inclusion rule.
- •You are not receiving obstetric care at an MGH-affiliated obstetrics practice (except the MGH HOPE Clinic exception described in the inclusion criteria).
- •Your pregnancy does not involve a live fetus or live-born neonate at ≥24 weeks (or, if postpartum, your baby is not living at enrollment).
- •You do not have at least one of the listed conditions in your EHR problem list/medical history/clinical notes (including BMI being provided in the record).
- •You are not able to read/speak English or Spanish, or you do not have/agree to access the electronic health record patient portal.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults 18+ receiving care through an MGH-affiliated obstetrics practice (with a specific exception)
- ✓Pregnant (live fetus) or postpartum with a baby still living at enrollment
- ✓Has at least one qualifying condition such as hypertension or class II obesity (BMI criteria apply)
- ✓Has a primary care clinician and can use/consent for the patient portal
- ✓English or Spanish speaking/reading
How this study is designed
The real details, in plain words. Tap the underlined words to learn what they mean.
- ✓Everyone in this study receives an active treatment — there is no placebo group.
- •You'd be placed into a group by chance, like a coin flip — this keeps the study fair.
- •This study is , so results can't be swayed by expectations. Your medical team always knows what you're getting.
- •There are 2 groups in this study.
What to expect, step by step
· This study lasts about 22 weeks (~5 months)- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
About 22 weeksIf you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
What's being tested
- Other: Facilitated Transition to Primary Care
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
Who's running this study?
Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Overseen by Mark A Clapp, MD, MPH
Every study is also reviewed by an independent that protects participants.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
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.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06557005 · Locations: Massachusetts