Educational Tool for Postpartum Hypertension

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Disqualifiers: Hypertension, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an educational tool can help new mothers who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy feel more in control after giving birth. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the educational tool shortly after delivery, while the other will not. The researchers seek to assess whether the tool influences how active and informed participants feel about their health a few weeks later. The trial is recruiting postpartum women who had blood pressure issues during pregnancy and can read and understand English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could empower new mothers with better health management tools.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using an educational tool, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that this educational tool is safe for postpartum patients?

Research shows that high blood pressure after giving birth, known as postpartum hypertension, can cause serious health issues. Managing this condition is important to reduce the risk of hospital readmission. Although the educational tool used in this trial is new and lacks specific safety data, similar educational methods typically carry very low risk.

The main aim is to help patients better understand and manage their condition. As this study does not involve testing a new drug or any invasive procedure, no physical side effects are expected from using the tool. Educational tools are generally safe and designed to improve knowledge and awareness. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the impact of an educational tool for postpartum hypertension, which is a fresh approach compared to traditional medical treatments like antihypertensive medications. Unlike standard care that primarily involves medication management, this trial focuses on empowering patients through education, aiming to improve their understanding of their condition and potentially enhance their self-management skills. The unique feature here is that it targets behavioral change and awareness, which could lead to better long-term health outcomes for postpartum patients. By comparing those who receive this educational intervention with those who do not, researchers hope to find out how much knowledge and understanding can influence recovery and management of hypertension after pregnancy.

What evidence suggests that this educational tool is effective for postpartum hypertension?

Research has shown that educational tools can greatly help new mothers manage high blood pressure after giving birth. In this trial, postpartum patients who experienced hypertensive disorders of pregnancy will use an educational tool. One study found that mothers who used an educational program and monitored their blood pressure at home had better health outcomes for themselves and their babies. These tools help mothers understand and control their condition more effectively. Early detection and management of high blood pressure after childbirth can prevent serious health issues. These findings suggest that educational tools could enhance mothers' self-care after pregnancy. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ann Celi, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for postpartum patients who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy, including conditions like pre-eclampsia. Participants will be asked to complete surveys at the start and 4-12 weeks after receiving an educational tool shortly after delivery.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

I can speak, read, and understand English or Spanish.

Postpartum

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

I have never been diagnosed with high blood pressure, even during pregnancy.

I am not legally able to give consent.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Initial Contact and Baseline Survey

Participants complete a baseline survey measuring knowledge retention, patient activation, and satisfaction related to postpartum care and recovery.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention and Follow-up

Participants receive the educational discussion guide and are recontacted to complete a follow-up survey 4-12 weeks later.

4-12 weeks

Multiple contacts (text, email, phone, in-person)

Long-term Follow-up

Study staff access electronic health records and may contact participants up to 5 years after delivery to check on long-term health outcomes.

Up to 5 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Postpartum Educational Tool

Trial Overview The study tests whether a special educational tool given to patients within two weeks of delivery can improve their engagement with healthcare ('patient activation') compared to those who don't receive it, by measuring activation scores later on.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Postpartum patients after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exposed to an educational tool Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Postpartum patients after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exposed to an educational tool

Group II: Postpartum patients after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy not exposed to an educational tool Active Control 1 Intervention

Postpartum patients after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy not exposed to an educational tool

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,694

Recruited

14,790,000+

CVS Health Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

60+

Citations

1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592560/

Management of Postpartum Hypertensive Disorders of ... - NCBI HBPM probably improves ascertainment of BP, allowing early recognition of hypertension in postpartum patients, and probably compensates for racial disparities ...

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s44294-025-00095-7

Advances in postpartum hypertension management Effective interventions during this crucial period—including lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular physical activity, diligent weight ...

3. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.073302

Hypertension in Pregnancy and Postpartum Hypertension in pregnancy contributes substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality, persistent hypertension, and rehospitalization.

4. ajog.org ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)02414-5/pdf

Postpartum Hypertension Education Improves Patient ... We sought to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients who used a modified prenatal care regimen plus remote BP assessment tool to patients who ...

5. saferbirth.org saferbirth.org/psbs/severe-hypertension-in-pregnancy/

Severe Hypertension In Pregnancy | AIM A process for the timely triage and evaluation of pregnant and postpartum patients with severe hypertension or related symptoms. A system plan for escalation, ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10150299/

Optimal management of post-discharge postpartum ... Results: We included 224 women. Optimal management of postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was observed in 65.0%. While diagnosis and laboratory work- ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X25000341

Management of Postpartum Preeclampsia and ... Tighter blood pressure control was associated with reduced postpartum Emergency Department visits for hypertensive disorders.