PM3

Preventing Maternal Mortality Using Mobile Technology (PM3)

Overview

Maternal morbidity and mortality rates are disproportionately higher in Black women compared to any other ethnic/racial group. The postpartum period is the most critical yet most neglected phase for preventing suboptimal or fatal maternal health outcomes. Approximately half of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period, when women face a range of physical and emotional challenges and systems of coordinated care are limited. Many women do not see a provider until 3 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge, and immediate health concerts may be missed during this interval.

Mobile health (mHealth) technology offers several opportunities for supporting wellbeing, including capabilities such as automated text messaging, tailored medical advice, and personalized notifications to encourage specific health behaviors (e.g., exercising or taking medications). mHealth interventions that connect with women soon after discharge may assist in individualizing and formalizing support for women in the early postpartum period.

In this project, we are developing a mobile application called PM3 (Preventing Maternal Mortality Using Mobile Technology). PM3 is being designed for and with Black women to help mothers manage their health after having a baby and ensure access to social support and community resources.

Our central hypothesis is that use of PM³ app will significantly benefit the health and wellbeing of women during their postpartum period as evidenced by lower rates of co-morbid conditions and higher rates of survival.  We will conduct a randomized, controlled trial comparing PM³ to a standard of care control.

This project is supported through awards from Johnson & Johnson and Fitbit.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Rasheeta Chandler, Dr. Natalie Hernandez & Dr. Andrea Parker

Community Advisory Board: The PORCH Model

What does PORCH stand for?

Postpartum Outcomes, Research Recommendations, Community Collaborations, & Honorable delivery of Healthcare

PORCH Stories

More information coming soon.