Preventing maternal mortality using mobile technology (PM3)

Black women are dying at disproportionately high rates during and after childbirth. In this project, we are working to combat this inequity.

We are actively recruiting pregnant and new moms for the PM3 study. This study aims to help new mothers in Georgia stay healthy and access support.

To join the study or learn more about our work, click the button below.

Join THE PM3 MOVEMENT
 

PM3 Project FAQs

  • In this project, we are developing a mobile application called PM3 (Preventing Maternal Mortality Using Mobile Technology).

    Our central hypothesis is that use of PM3 app will significantly benefit the health and wellbeing of Black women during their postpartum period as evidenced by lower rates of unplanned hospital readmission, increased utilization of postpartum care, and greater quality of life.

    We will conduct a randomized, controlled trial comparing PM3 to a standard of care control.

  • 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.

  • Mobile health (mHealth) technology offers several opportunities for supporting wellbeing. For example, mHealth interventions that connect with women soon after discharge may assist in individualizing and increasing support for women in the early postpartum period.

    The PM3 study helps new mothers in Georgia stay healthy as they care for their baby in the first few months. Participation in the PM3 study may include your use of a mobile app.

  • You may be eligible to participate in the PM3 study if you are:

    • A Black/African American female

    • Living in a rural Georgia county

    • At least 18 years old

    • Between 7-9 months of your pregnancy or have recently given birth (<45 days)

  • Receive a gift card for your participation if you qualify to join the study!

  • Click here to indicate your interest in joining the PM3 study. A member of our research staff will follow-up to see if you meet the eligibility criteria to join the study.

Awards and Recognition

  • Fitbit Award

    October 13, 2021

    Sherilyn Francis was awarded a Fitbit Health Equity Research Award

  • Johnson & Johnson Award

    Drs. Chandler, Hernandez, and Parker were award funding for the PM3 project from Johnson & Johnson’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Women’s Health Division. With this funding, they are engaging in the community-based design, development, and evaluation of the PM3 app.

  • CNN logo

    CNN Profile

    August 25, 2021

    Drs. Natalie Hernandez and Rasheeta Chandler were profiled in a CNN story on Black maternal health inequities. The story spoke about how Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy complications than any other demographic group, the CDC says. Advocates fear the pandemic could make it worse.

  • NIH R34 Award

    September 14, 2021

    Drs. Chandler, Hernandez and Parker were awarded an R34 grant from the NIH to refine and test Savvy HER (Sexual/HIV Empowerment Resource), an evidence-based and theory-driven mobile application (app), specifically designed for PrEP-eligible Black women. This study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the app. This study will inform a subsequent RCT (R01) to determine the effectiveness and efficacy of the mobile app on uptake of HIV prevention behaviors.

Did you know?

Maternal morbidity and mortality rates are disproportionately higher in Black women compared to any other ethnic/racial group.

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.

Join the PM3 study today.