Improving Telehealth for Safer Pregnancies and Reducing Health Gaps
The impact of and path forward for telehealth on reducing disparities in severe maternal morbidity: A community engaged mixed-methods study
This project looks at how telehealth can help make pregnancy safer for all birthing individuals, especially those from Black communities, and reduce serious health problems during and after birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand if using telehealth services can lower the risk of severe health issues for birthing individuals, including both physical and mental health concerns. Our team will look at a large national database of Medicaid claims to see how telehealth has been used and its effects on maternal health outcomes. We will also talk with people in the Philadelphia community to gather their experiences and ideas about telehealth. The goal is to create practical guidelines for using telehealth in a way that helps everyone have a healthier pregnancy and reduces existing health differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on understanding the experiences and health outcomes of birthing individuals, particularly those who have used telehealth services or are part of communities with higher rates of severe maternal health issues.
Not a fit: Patients who are not birthing individuals or those without an interest in maternal health and telehealth may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better telehealth practices that improve maternal health outcomes and reduce health disparities for birthing individuals across the country.
How similar studies have performed: While telehealth has expanded rapidly, there is limited specific data on its direct impact on severe maternal morbidity and health disparities, making this a novel and important area of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caniglia, Ellen Christina — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Caniglia, Ellen Christina
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.