Virtual Pregnancy & Buprenorphine Research Study
Researchers are conducting a study to learn if a new technology-enhanced program can help pregnant people taking buprenorphine stay on their treatment.
Fast Facts
Up to 33 Weeks Pregnant
Have a Prescription For Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Virtually
Study Background
This study is testing a new program to support pregnant people with opioid use disorder in sticking with their prescribed medication.
Staying on buprenorphine during pregnancy is very important because it lowers the risk of relapse and helps protect both parent and baby. Some people find it hard to stay on their medication regularly because of stress, poor sleep, or fear of withdrawal. Researchers developed a program called EMPWR, which uses skill-building sessions and a mobile app to help with stress, sleep, and medication routines.
In this study, we want to find out if EMPWR works better than a simpler approach that only involves tracking your medication. Participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to one of two groups: EMPWR or Medication Monitoring. All visits take place virtually, so you can participate from home.
Study Background
This study is testing a new program to support pregnant people with opioid use disorder in sticking with their prescribed medication.
Staying on buprenorphine during pregnancy is very important because it lowers the risk of relapse and helps protect both parent and baby. Some people find it hard to stay on their medication regularly because of stress, poor sleep, or fear of withdrawal. Researchers developed a program called EMPWR, which uses skill-building sessions and a mobile app to help with stress, sleep, and medication routines.
In this study, we want to find out if EMPWR works better than a simpler approach that only involves tracking your medication. Participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to one of two groups: EMPWR or Medication Monitoring. All visits take place virtually, so you can participate from home.
Additional Information
The study is being done to see if the EMPWR program helps pregnant people with opioid use disorder stay on buprenorphine during pregnancy and after childbirth.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-45
- Up to 33 weeks pregnant
- Have a prescription for buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
- Current OUD or history of OUD within the past 3 years
- Comfortable reading and writing in English
- Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current psychotic symptoms and/or active suicidal intent
- Carrying multiples
- Having a high-risk pregnancy
- Incarcerated/pending incarceration or living outside natural home environment (living in residential treatment or institutionalized settings)
First, your pregnancy and buprenorphine prescription will be confirmed and you will complete a consent and screening process.
You will then be randomly placed into one of two groups:
Group A (EMPWR): 7 virtual visits during pregnancy and postpartum, plus a mobile app with tools for stress, sleep, and medication support.
Group B (Medication Monitoring): daily text messages for two months to log when and how much medication you take.
No matter which group you are in, you will:
Complete 4 online surveys (after enrollment, before birth, and at 3- and 6-months postpartum).
Do quick video medication counts 9 times.
You can receive up to $500 over the course of the study. This includes payments for surveys, medication counts, and the urine drug screen.
There is no cost to take part. If you don’t have a smartphone or internet access, the study team can loan you one for the study. Normal phone or data rates may apply if you use your own device.