About the Project
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) study in 2020 to examine the impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy on newborns. The study enrolled both children who had been exposed to opioids during their mother’s pregnancy and children who were unexposed, tracking them from birth to 2 years of age.
The Challenge
Study enrollment was low due to COVID restrictions, which limited study coordinators from discussing OBOE in depth with potential participants during their post-birth hospitalizations. In addition, mothers of children who had not been exposed to opioids were reluctant to enroll their children in the study because they saw little value in participation.
Our Solution
RTI developed a digital, interactive tool that explained the study’s purpose, requirements, and value. This tool could be shared easily with new mothers online. Individuals could select from one of three avatars—representing White, Black, and Hispanic moms, respectively—who explained the study in plain language using visuals, animations, and voiceover narration. Almost all mothers who engaged with the tool demonstrated a strong understanding of the study, correctly identifying its purpose (95%) and that their child would not be exposed to radiation during the required MRI imaging (88%). The tool helped to boost recruitment and ensure the OBOE study met its enrollment goals.
One of three avatars who guided potential participants through an overview of the OBOE study
Digital tool animation depicting an MRI scan of a newborn, one of several activities that children undergo in the OBOE study
Digital tool animation depicting the type of information gleaned from the medical records of children who enroll in the OBOE study
Learn more about effective communication science strategies and solutions and contact our experts to start improving your outcomes today.