Improving health outcomes for preterm infants by addressing social factors
Official title: Implementing a Social Determinants of Health Screening and Referral Care Model in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10899635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help families with premature babies in the NICU by checking in on their needs, like housing and jobs, so they can get the support they need while their little ones are in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $696,658 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD104772-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are families with preterm infants who are receiving care in a NICU setting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have preterm infants or are not admitted to the NICU may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on integrating screenings for social determinants of health (SDOH) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to identify and address the unmet needs of families with preterm infants. By implementing a referral care model, the project aims to connect families to essential social services that can help alleviate issues such as housing and job insecurity. The approach is designed to promote health equity and improve long-term health outcomes for vulnerable infants. Families will be screened during their infants' hospitalization, allowing for timely interventions that can support their overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for preterm infants by ensuring their families receive necessary social support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing SDOH screenings in outpatient pediatric settings, indicating potential for similar success in the NICU.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Margaret Graham Kemper — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Parker, Margaret Graham Kemper
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A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
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Multisensory care to boost development in preterm babies in the NICU
A program called SENSE uses gentle touch, sounds, and parent bonding in the NICU to support brain development for very preterm infants and help families stay involved.
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.