Reducing Racial Disparities in Maternal Care Through Data-Based Accountability and Doula Support

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to reduce Black-White maternal health disparities by using interventions to decrease bias in prenatal care, improve care coordination, and increase social support. Known as ACURE4Moms, this pragmatic 4-arm cluster randomized controlled trial involves 39 prenatal practices across North Carolina. The study focuses especially on reducing pregnancy complications and low birthweight deliveries among Black patients, who face higher risks related to institutional racism and discrimination. The study compares four groups standard care with Medicaid care management for high-risk pregnancies care management plus Data Accountability and Transparency interventions including electronic warning systems, disparities dashboards, and racial equity training care management plus Community-Based Doula support providing culturally relevant care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum and a combination of both Data Accountability and Transparency and Doula Support interventions. Each practice participates for two years, initiating prenatal care for approximately 750 to 1,500 patients, with outcomes tracked through delivery and one year after birth. Participants include patients who self-identify as Black or African American receiving prenatal care at participating clinics. Researchers collect data from electronic health records on low birthweight and other pregnancy outcomes and gather patient experiences of discrimination through internet surveys at four time points from the first prenatal visit to three months postpartum. Additional interviews with staff, doulas, and facilitators help assess intervention fit. The study is led by a Stakeholder Advisory Board focusing on patient-centered outcomes and policy advocacy.

Accountability for Care Through Undoing Racism & Equity for Moms