Boston Medical Center

This study compares two ways to soften and open the cervix before a second-trimester abortion procedure called dilation and evacuation (D&E). One method uses a small balloon catheter placed through the cervix for a few hours; the other uses synthetic rods that swell as they absor…

This pilot study tests whether giving special nutritional shakes before and after surgery can improve the health of patients with critical limb ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease. About 30 participants will drink the shakes for one to two weeks before and after …

This study tests whether automated insulin pumps (hybrid closed loop systems) can help underserved adults with type 1 diabetes better control their blood sugar. About 140 participants will be randomly assigned to use one of three FDA-approved pump systems or continue with standar…

This study tests a program that helps people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes get connected to community resources for needs like food or housing. Researchers will compare those who get extra support from a patient navigator to those who receive standard care. The goal is to see…

This study tests whether a smartphone app featuring a friendly virtual coach can help 100 adults with opioid use disorder stay on their buprenorphine medication for at least a year. Participants use the app to get support and reminders, while researchers track how long they remai…

This study will test different methods to help people with high blood pressure get it under control. It involves nearly 17,000 adults receiving care at nine community health centers. The goal is to find the most effective strategies for managing blood pressure in diverse populati…

This study looks at whether a special ultrasound inside the vein (IVUS) can find blockages better than the usual X-ray method in people on dialysis. About 50 adults with kidney failure who have trouble with their dialysis access will take part. The goal is to see if IVUS gives cl…

This pilot study tests whether a brief overdose prevention education, including naloxone training, is feasible and acceptable for youth ages 13-26 during routine primary care visits. Providers will deliver the intervention to some youth, while others receive usual care. The study…

This study tests a program called CHORUS+ that helps people who inject opioids get HIV prevention medication (PrEP) and treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Participants receive HIV self-testing, rapid access to medications, and 6 months of support from a peer coach. The goa…

This study explores whether a mindfulness-based stress reduction program can help people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will use artificial intelligence to analyze biological, psychological, and social markers to predict who responds best. The goal is to personalize trea…

This study tests whether 2-3 ten-minute visits from a trained therapy dog can reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and anger in adults hospitalized after a traumatic injury. Researchers will compare patients who get dog visits to those who only get a visit from a dog handler. The go…

This study tests a culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program for Venezuelan migrants in Lima, Peru, who struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The intervention is delivered remotely by trained lay providers over 6 to 12 weekly sessions. The goal is to see…

This study tests whether simple behavioral strategies—like social stories, videos, and positive reinforcement—can help autistic children (ages 3 and up) stay calm and cooperative during needle procedures at Boston Medical Center. Researchers will work with 10 children who have a …

This study tests whether injecting Jeuveau (a type of botox) into the neck muscles can temporarily make the neck look slimmer and more feminine. Thirty adults who want a more feminine neck appearance will receive the injections. The goal is to measure changes in neck size and how…

This pilot study tests a personalized music therapy program to prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in hospitalized people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Thirty participants will receive up to five live music sessions tailored to their preferences…

This study tests a stepped-care approach to help more people with PTSD get treatment. Participants start with an online skills program (webSTAIR) and can step up to brief therapy sessions if needed. The goal is to improve access, engagement, and symptom relief in routine primary …

This study tests whether a live video connection between paramedics and pediatric emergency doctors improves care for critically ill children. Paramedics will treat infant mannequins in simulated ambulance scenarios, with some getting video support and others only audio. The goal…

This study aims to uncover the reasons why some vaccine programs succeed in boosting vaccine confidence among historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups, while others do not. Researchers will interview 80 parents, clinicians, and public health experts to gather insights. …

This study aims to understand why people with chronic pain or opioid use disorder often have worse pain after spine surgery. Researchers will analyze blood and skin samples from 40 participants to look for unique immune and genetic markers linked to pain. The goal is to find bett…

This study tests whether an extra phone call from a nurse after hospital discharge can help patients who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, or Vietnamese understand their care instructions better. About 60 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either s…

This study looks at a better way to predict recovery in people who remain unconscious after a cardiac arrest. Doctors often struggle to know who will wake up, which can lead to early decisions to stop life support. The study will follow 600 patients in the US, Brazil, and Italy, …

This study tests whether a program called CenteringParenting, which replaces some standard well-child checkups with group visits, helps prepare children for kindergarten. Researchers will follow 1,200 mother-child pairs from birth to age 2, measuring language and vocabulary skill…

This study is creating a large collection of blood, urine, and tissue samples from up to 10,000 people with amyloid diseases (like multiple myeloma). The goal is to store these samples and health data for future research to better understand these conditions. Participants do not …

This study is testing several non-invasive methods—like pupil checks, EEG, and ultrasound—to see if they can detect life-threatening brain swelling earlier than current methods. Researchers will monitor 720 patients with acute brain injuries in the ICU. The goal is to find reliab…

This study tests whether text messaging can help collect feedback from orthopedic patients about their recovery. Researchers will enroll up to 3,000 people with specific bone or spine injuries. The goal is to use this information to schedule clinic visits more efficiently, so pat…