Rhode Island - Statewide Postpartum Hypertension Remote Surveillance

BEHAVIORAL

RI-SPHERES

Participants assigned to the RI-SPHERES group will be introduced virtually or in-person to the care manager (CM), who demonstrate how to communicate directly with patients through the app for medical or non-medical needs. Each participant will learn how to obtain SMBP, sync the LTE-enabled BP cuff to the RI-SPHERES app, and respond to adaptive messaging pertaining to BP measurements, which include the ability to receive on-demand education on postpartum topics (e.g., HDP, breastfeeding, mood disorders) per participant preference. During the study period, the CM will respond to needs elicited from the SDoH screening by facilitating referrals to community resources. After six weeks, the focus of RI-SPHERES will transition to preventive care in addition to SMBP. The CM will engage monthly with each study participant to ensure they have a primary care provider and to facilitate preventive care visits or specialist appointments, if needed.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard self-measured blood pressure program

Participants assigned to the routine care group meet virtually or in-person with a member of WIH's existing SMBP program and enroll in WIH's EPIC MyChart Portal to allow the SMBP program to receive patient-entered BP measurements and respond to messages. Participants will be provided with BP cuffs and taught how to obtain SMBP and report their BP through MyChart. At six weeks postpartum, WIH SMBP staff send a MyChart message to recommend BP ascertainment once per month and to describe the importance of attending a clinical visit with a primary care provider within a year of birth.

Persistent hypertension

Time frame: Six weeks postpartum

Persistent stage II hypertension will be defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher

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A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

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Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

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Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

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Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.