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NEXUS - Next Generation Health Through 2D & 3D Fetal UltraSound; Building Connections to Support Maternal-fetal Health
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Summary
This exploratory study brings together an interprofessional team, novel tools, and innovative, community-driven care delivery approaches to improve health equity among mother-infant dyads impacted by substance use disorder and high risk for poor health outcomes. This study will test a community-informed and community-based intervention using a fetal ultrasound protocol, motivational interviewing techniques, strength-based education, and healthcare coordination strategies to reduce health disparities faced by women and their children.
Official title: Community-based Fetal Ultrasound and Care Navigation: An Approach to Engaging Pregnant Women With Substance Use Disorder in Prenatal Care and Substance Use Treatment
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
103
Start Date
2023-06-08
Completion Date
2025-11-30
Last Updated
2026-08-05
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
NEXUS intervention
During the fetal ultrasound protocol, the NEXUS intervention is added for the component of 'attachment promotion' as it is a natural extension to share with the pregnant person the behavioral and social strengths of their unborn child. As the participant observes the fetus on the monitor (a second external monitor is set up for easy viewing by the mother), she may also feel fetal movement simultaneously in the womb (after 23 weeks gestation), creating a visual and sensory link between the mother and fetus. A trained nurse or ultrasonographer shares observations of fetal behavior with the mother and others if present. The nurse is also trained in motivational interviewing techniques to use the strengths of the mother and those attributed to her fetus to explore readiness to change and other motivational factors that may be barriers to health promotion.
Standardized Non-Medical fetal ultrasound
A standardized protocol using non-diagnostic fetal ultrasound that includes basic maternal-fetal health assessment by a trained nurse, fetal neurobehavioral assessment, measures of fetal growth, and pictures \& videos given to parents.
Locations (1)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States