Worcester, MANCT06362798Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Preterm Birth Clinical Trial in Worcester, MA

Access cutting-edge preterm birth treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Worcester. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Quick Self-Assessment

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Expert Care in Worcester

Access preterm birth specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related preterm birth treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this preterm birth clinical trial in Worcester, MA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Worcester

    Convenient for MA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Worcester site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Preterm Birth Study in Worcester

Preterm birth is a leading cause of childhood mortality and developmental disabilities. Socioeconomic disparities in the incidence of preterm birth and morbidities, mortality, and quality of care for preterm infants persist. An important predictor of the long-term consequences of preterm birth is maternal presence during the prolonged infant hospitalization (weeks to months) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers who visit the NICU can pump breast milk, directly breastfeed and engage in skin-to-skin care, which facilitates breast milk production and promotes infant physiologic stability and neurodevelopment. Low-income mothers face significant barriers to frequent NICU visits, including financial burdens and the psychological impact of financial stress, which hinder their participation in caregiving activities. The investigators will conduct an randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of financial transfers among 420 Medicaid - eligible mothers with infants 24 - 34 weeks' gestation in four level 3 NICUs: Boston Medical Center (BMC) in Boston, Massachusetts, UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMass) in Worcester, Massachusetts, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Mothers in the intervention arm will receive usual care enhanced with weekly financial transfers and will be informed that these transfers are meant to help them spend more time with their infant in the NICU vs. a control arm (usual care). We received supplemental funding to extend analyses to include extended postpartum maternal health outcomes. The original sample size of 420 remains the basis for the parent trial's primary and secondary NICU caregiving outcomes, while the supplemental funding (effective January 2026) enables analysis of secondary maternal health outcomes up to 12 months postpartum using an expanded analytic cohort. The primary hypothesis is that financial transfers can enable economically disadvantaged mothers to visit the NICU, reduce the negative psychological impacts of financial distress, and increase maternal caregiving behaviors associated with positive preterm infant health and development.

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Mother is eligible for Medicaid insurance.
Has an infant or infants born 24 0/7-34 1/7 weeks gestation.
Mother's baby is cared for at one of the four enrolling study sites located in Massachusetts or Georgia.
Mother is eligible to breastfeed (per hospital criteria).

Exclusion Criteria

Mother is not English- or Spanish-speaking.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Worcester?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06362798) has an active research site in Worcester, MA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Preterm Birth Treatment Options in Worcester, MA

If you're searching for preterm birth treatment options in Worcester, MA, this clinical trial (NCT06362798) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Worcester research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced preterm birth specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all preterm birth clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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Secure · Expert Care · Worcester, MA