Doula Model of Care

Description

The goal of this randomized controlled intervention trial is to determine if an integrated partnership between a birth worker/community support organization and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), will improve both the experience and outcomes for Black birthing people. The main question it aims to answer is whether an integrated partnership between a birth worker/community support organization and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) will mitigate bias and mistrust thereby improving both the experience and outcomes for Black birthing people, assessed by the primary outcome of depression score. Participants will be randomized to Doula care (receive 2 prenatal visits, continuous intrapartum support, and 2 postpartum visits with a certified doula) or standard of care (receive prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care as they normally would if not in the study) and followed through 6 weeks postpartum.

Conditions

Perinatal, Morbidity, Mental Health

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this randomized controlled intervention trial is to determine if an integrated partnership between a birth worker/community support organization and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), will improve both the experience and outcomes for Black birthing people. The main question it aims to answer is whether an integrated partnership between a birth worker/community support organization and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) will mitigate bias and mistrust thereby improving both the experience and outcomes for Black birthing people, assessed by the primary outcome of depression score. Participants will be randomized to Doula care (receive 2 prenatal visits, continuous intrapartum support, and 2 postpartum visits with a certified doula) or standard of care (receive prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care as they normally would if not in the study) and followed through 6 weeks postpartum.

Doula Model of Care, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Doula Model of Care

Condition
Perinatal
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Philadelphia

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Pregnant patients who self-identify (as seen on Chart) as Black
  • * Ages 16-55
  • * Currently pregnant and in second trimester (gestational age between 13-30 weeks)
  • * Plan to deliver at HUP
  • * Patients must be able to read and understand English
  • * Participants must be willing and able to sign the informed consent form
  • * Unable to provide written consent by being unable to read or sign informed consent.
  • * PI Discretion

Ages Eligible for Study

16 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pennsylvania,

Sindhu K Srinivas, MD, MSCE, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pennsylvania

Study Record Dates

2026-03