Adapting the Penny Chatbot for Perinatal OUD Patients: COPILOT

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · May 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The COPILOT trial is studying a new texting support tool called Penny COPILOT, designed to help pregnant women and new mothers who are dealing with opioid use disorder (OUD). The goal is to make sure these women feel less lonely and more engaged in their care. The researchers will adapt an existing chatbot to better meet the needs of these women, allowing them to send and receive text messages for support. They will gather feedback from a small group of 20 participants to see how well the chatbot works and how satisfied they are with it.

To participate in this study, women must be pregnant or within six weeks after giving birth and receiving treatment for OUD at a Penn-affiliated hospital. They should be able to read, write, and understand English at a basic level. The researchers will first assess the needs of potential users and test the chatbot to ensure it is safe and useful. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to create a helpful tool that can improve care and reduce feelings of isolation for women facing these challenges.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Biological females who are currently pregnant or within 6 weeks postpartum.
• • Able to read, write, and speak English at a 6th grade level.
• • Diagnosed and receiving treatment for, or willing to receive treatment for opioid use disorder.
• • Receiving prenatal care and OUD care at a Penn affiliated hospital.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -Current untreated psychosis, mania, or active suicidality as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).