SMART Preemie: Helping Families Learn Safe Care for Preterm Infants
Social Media and Risk-reduction Training for Preterm Infant Care Practices (SMART Preemie)
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11134737
This project helps families of preterm infants, especially Black mothers, learn about safe sleep practices to prevent sudden and unexpected infant death.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134737 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Sudden and unexpected infant death (SUID) happens more often to preterm infants and non-Hispanic Black infants, and current public health efforts haven't changed these rates. Our previous work showed that many preterm infants are not using safe sleep practices after leaving the hospital. We also learned that parents' attitudes and what healthcare providers say and do can influence these practices. This project will use social media and educate healthcare providers to share important information and support families in adopting safe sleep habits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are mothers of preterm infants, particularly non-Hispanic Black mothers, who are seeking information and support for safe infant care practices.
Not a fit: Patients whose infants are not preterm or who are not seeking information on infant care practices may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could significantly reduce the number of sudden and unexpected infant deaths, particularly among preterm and non-Hispanic Black infants.
How similar studies have performed: A previous national prevalence study identified the problem and modifiable factors, providing a strong foundation for this intervention, though this specific social media and training approach is being tested for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.