Helping parents safely manage medications for infants after NICU discharge

A Randomized, Controlled Study of a Health Literacy-informed Technology-based Approach to Support Safe Medication Use by Parents After Discharge of Infants From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Not applicable Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT04278690

This study is testing a new way to help parents safely manage their infants' medications after leaving the NICU to see if it improves their understanding and use of the medicines.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment425 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04278690 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled study focuses on parents of infants being discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit at Bellevue and Elmhurst hospitals. The study aims to enhance safe medication use and adherence for high-risk infants by utilizing health literacy approaches and mobile technology. The HELPix intervention, which has shown promise in improving medication knowledge and adherence in other pediatric settings, will be adapted for this vulnerable population. A total of 425 subjects will be recruited across two sites to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English or Spanish-speaking parents aged 18 and older who are responsible for administering their child's medications after discharge from the NICU.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a mobile phone or the internet, or who have significant visual or hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce medication errors and improve adherence among parents managing their infants' medications post-discharge.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar health literacy interventions in outpatient pediatric settings, but this approach has not yet been tested in NICU populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. English or Spanish-speaking
2. 18 years of age and older
3. Child discharged home with a Rx for \>1 daily liquid medication (other than multivitamin)
4. Primary person who will administers child's medications.
5. Willingness and ability to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Does not have a working phone number
2. Does not have access to internet (via computer/smartphone)
3. Does not have a mobile phone that receives texts.
4. Not able to return to the hospital for their child's follow-up visit
5. Visual acuity worse than 20/50 according to the Rosenbaum Pocket Screener
6. Uncorrectable hearing impairment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Medication Administered in Error
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.