Using digital health tools to improve care for pregnant refugee women with high blood pressure

Digital Solutions to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Pregnant Refugee Women

Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06647511

This study is testing if using smartwatches and blood pressure cuffs can help pregnant refugee women with high blood pressure get better care and catch health issues earlier.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06647511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to enhance the detection of gestational hypertension and related health issues in pregnant refugee women through a digital health monitoring system. Participants will receive smartwatches and electronic blood pressure cuffs to track their health data at home, alongside in-person appointments for baseline and follow-up assessments. The study will evaluate the system's performance in diagnosing hypertension with high sensitivity compared to traditional clinical methods, while also monitoring other pregnancy-related risks over a 24-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women who are refugees, asylum seekers, or asylees, aged 18 or older, and have access to a personal smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients who are not refugees or asylum seekers, or those who cannot provide informed consent due to vulnerability, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the early detection and management of hypertension in pregnant refugee women, potentially reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital health technologies in maternal care is gaining traction, this specific application targeting pregnant refugee women with gestational hypertension is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant
* Refugee, asylum seeking, or asylee as designated by the U.S. Government
* Greater than or equal to 18 years of age
* Has a personal smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent
* Determined by the PI to be in an extremely vulnerable position and therefore not suited for research participation
* Planned move from the New York City (NYC) area within the next 24 months

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gestational Hypertension, refugee, pregnant, digital

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.