NCT05588245 · Emory University
Trial of Community-based Patient Navigation
What this study is about
This study will test the effectiveness of a community-based patient navigator intervention from mid-pregnancy through 12 month postpartum for a high-risk population of medically underserved women. The RCT will enroll 540 pregnant women before 20 weeks of pregnancy and randomly allocate them into two different study treatment group$1 from the time of prenatal enrollment through 12 months postpartum.
View original scientific description
This study will test the effectiveness of a community-based patient navigator intervention from mid-pregnancy through 12 month postpartum for a high-risk population of medically underserved women. The RCT will enroll 540 pregnant women before 20 weeks of pregnancy and randomly allocate them into two different study arms from the time of prenatal enrollment through 12 months postpartum. If found to be effective, the community-based patient navigator intervention can be implemented as a standard of care at Grady and other provider practices serving high-risk women to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce racial disparities.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Standard of Care
Participants will undergo the same SDoH screener (AHC-Health Related Social Needs Tool) as full intervention participants, which will serve as the basis for a one-time brief session with the clinical research coordinator that will involve review of a 'Resource Guide' that provides a listing of available community resources to meet common social needs. Participants in this arm will also complete other prenatal and postpartum data collection items over the course of the study (with the exception of qualitative interviews).
BEHAVIORAL
Community-based prenatal/perinatal/postpartum patient navigator
Uses Freeman's principles of navigation to enhance patient access to care (e.g., help patients manage appointments), promote patient self-efficacy (e.g., connect patients to community housing, food, transportation resources), and sustain engagement with the healthcare system (e.g., bridge perinatal and primary care).
Primary outcome measures
Change in number of SMM and maternal death events
Time frame: Baseline, 12 months postpartum
This is a count measure that reflects the total number of SMM and/or death events during the delivery admission through 12-months of delivery according to the presence/absence of the 21 SMM indicator diagnosis codes (as published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and/or a death event documented in the EPIC electronic medical record.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- A pregnant woman or individual (inclusive of all gender identities) who is Black and English-speaking (by self-report),
- ≥18 years of age who is capable of consenting for oneself and who presents for prenatal care with a singleton pregnancy ≤ 20 weeks gestation (confirmed by medical record),
- covered by Medicaid
- for whom the AHC-Health Related Social Needs Tool (administered as part of standard clinical care for prenatal patients) identifies ≥1 unmet social needs
- expectation to receive prenatal care and deliver at Grady and be available through 12-months postpartum to assure opportunity for exposure to the intervention, process, and outcome measure ascertainment.
Exclusion criteria
- The intent to transfer care to a health system outside of metro Atlanta
- incarceration, which would interfere with intervention provision and outcome ascertainment
- adults unable to give consent
- individuals who are not yet adults
- cognitively impaired individuals with impaired decision-making capacity
- individuals who are not able to clearly understand and speak English (as the PPP-PN intervention is only available in English at this time)
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
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.
Is it safe to participate?
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.
Will I be compensated?
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.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
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.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations