Engaging pregnant women with substance use disorders in prenatal care and treatment
Official title: Community-based fetal ultrasound and care navigation: An approach to engaging pregnant women with substance use disorder in prenatal care and substance use treatment
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10709656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping pregnant women, especially those from underserved communities, get better access to prenatal care and support for substance use, using ultrasound images to strengthen their bond with their babies and encourage them to seek the healthcare they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $194,063 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058407-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with substance use disorders, particularly those from low-income, rural, or minoritized backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have substance use disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve access to prenatal care and substance use treatment for pregnant women facing significant barriers, particularly those from marginalized communities. By utilizing fetal ultrasound imaging as a tool to enhance the connection between mothers and their unborn children, the project seeks to empower women and facilitate their engagement in necessary healthcare services. The study will implement innovative care delivery approaches to address health disparities and improve outcomes for both mothers and their children. The research will involve collaboration among various healthcare professionals to create a supportive environment for these women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prenatal care and treatment outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders, ultimately benefiting their health and that of their children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that community-based approaches and innovative care delivery methods can effectively engage underserved populations in healthcare, suggesting potential success for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salisbury, Amy L — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Salisbury, Amy L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Justice Core: Helping pregnant women with substance use get treatment while in jail
A pragmatic trial will test whether a jail diversion program (Justice Core) improves access to treatment and perinatal outcomes for pregnant women with substance use issues compared to usual referral after jail release.
-
A device to improve sleep for people with substance use disorder
This study is testing a special headband that uses gentle ultrasound to help people with substance use disorder, especially those struggling with opioid use, get better sleep and feel less anxious about it.
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A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
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A genetics study in Thailand is looking at how genes may influence methamphetamine use disorder and related behaviors.
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PROTECT-ED: Rapid care connects people just released from jail to HIV and overdose prevention
A program in the emergency department helps people who just left jail get started on medications for opioid use disorder and HIV prevention right away and connect them to ongoing care.
-
Adapting with Proactive SUD Intervention via Disease Intervention Specialists
A new program uses a proven outreach model to identify and connect people with substance use disorder to care earlier, by applying DIS tactics to SUD in communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.