Exploring how telehealth can reduce severe maternal health issues and disparities.

The impact of and path forward for telehealth on reducing disparities in severe maternal morbidity: A community engaged mixed-methods study

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10774621

This study is looking at how telehealth can help improve care for new moms, especially Black women, who face serious health challenges during and after pregnancy, and it aims to create helpful guidelines for using telehealth to make sure everyone gets the support they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10774621 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of telehealth in addressing severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and related disparities, particularly among Black birthing individuals. It aims to analyze data from a national Medicaid claims database and conduct qualitative research in Philadelphia to understand how telehealth can improve access to care and patient outcomes. The study will develop guidelines for implementing telehealth effectively to enhance maternal health equity and reduce disparities in SMM. By focusing on both physical and mental health indicators, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive view of maternal health challenges during and after pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals, especially those from Black populations or those experiencing severe maternal morbidity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not experience severe maternal health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes and reduced disparities for birthing individuals, particularly in underserved communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that telehealth can improve access to care, but this specific approach to addressing maternal health disparities is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.