Exploring how health centers can improve care for pregnant and postpartum women on Medicaid
Assessing the role of Federally Qualified Health Centers in advancing quality of care for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid enrollees
This study looks at how community health centers help low-income pregnant and new moms, especially those from underserved backgrounds, and aims to find ways to improve their care by better connecting maternity and regular health services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170041 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in providing quality care to low-income pregnant and postpartum patients, particularly those from marginalized communities. It aims to understand how these centers can better integrate maternity and primary care services while addressing social needs that affect health outcomes. By using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research will assess the impact of FQHCs on maternal health and identify strategies for improving care delivery. The findings could inform policies to enhance services at these health centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income pregnant and postpartum women, especially those who are Medicaid enrollees and from communities of color.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum, or those who do not utilize Medicaid services, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women by enhancing access to quality care.
How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence that FQHCs improve care quality in general, the specific impact of these centers on pregnancy outcomes is not well-documented, making this research a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cole, Megan B. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Cole, Megan B.
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 below.