Remote Monitoring and Follow-up for Postpartum Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Plain-language summary

The literature unequivocally supports follow-up in the postpartum period post hospital discharge in hypertensive patients, compared to uncomplicated delivery follow-up recommendations of 4-6 weeks postpartum, leading to decreased morbidity and mortality, utilizing at-home blood pressure monitoring and virtual/telemedicine appointments. There is much evidence that telemedicine visits are equally, if not more effective, result in cost savings, and are generally preferred by patients, specifically when there is a risk of exposure for the patient and newborn, an appropriate factor to consider amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic. Maternal health and well-being have substantial links with cultural and racial factors. Black women are three times as likely to have morbid outcomes related to gestational complications, specifically hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Minority populations have historically displayed inferior access to care due to concerns related to transportation, healthcare insurance, or provider accessibility and distrust, resulting in diminished compliance with follow-up and negative health sequelae. Telemedicine follow-up within 10 days of delivery (48-72 hours after discharge) reduces readmission rates, increase access to- and compliance with care, and improve patient safety satisfaction, thus establishing feasibility. Home vital sign monitoring gives an increased volume of data points for providers to utilize in titrating antihypertensive medications to optimize blood pressure control, ultimately decreasing stroke and cardiovascular risk. Existing research lacks comprehension regarding specific cardiological impacts of labile postpartum blood pressures, however researchers inferentially hypothesize that poor blood pressure management in the postpartum period can have devastating long-term cardiological consequences. This QI project will demonstrate standardized programming for patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), which may potentially lead to increased compliance, satisfaction, and accessibility, resulting in improved long-term cardiovascular health in vulnerable populations. The American heart Association (AHA) and ACOG have established that HDP are associated with long-term cardiovascular disease, however obstetricians lack guidance on effective, evidence-based research for standardization of care, leading to subsequently disjointed medical management with much room for error in transitioning from obstetrician to internist or cardiologist. Thus, implementing and establishing feasibility of remote monitoring and follow-up while applying standardized algorithms and protocols for antihypertensive medication titration and management may provide support in addressing and eradicating these gaps. As such, this pilot project has massive prospective future applicability and benefit for a highly vulnerable population.

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