Extended postpartum outcomes with systematic treatment of and management of postpartum hypertension program

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effect of a quality improvement initiative at one-year post delivery. Study DesignThis was a retrospective study of 1480 patients who delivered between October 2018 and June 2020 at the study institution and were enrolled in the Systematic Treatment and Management of PostPartum Hypertension Program (STAMPP). Patients received standardized cuffs, education, and follow-up. At the six-week postpartum follow-up, patients were again given instructions to establish follow-up. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was a visit with a primary care physician (PCP) or cardiologist between 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum. ResultsA total of 939 (63 %) patients had some follow-up within twelve months. Of these, 113 (12 %) and 175 (19 %) had follow-up with cardiology and primary care providers, respectively. Patients with no follow-up were more likely to have public aid (73.9 % vs 60.3 %; p < 0.001). 77 % identified as Black, with only 12 % of this cohort following up with cardiology and 13 % with a PCP. ConclusionsDespite specific counseling about long term follow-up, a minority of patients completed one year follow-up, notably amongst Black patients and those with public insurance. Further work is needed to optimize long-term follow-up after HDP to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, especially amongst high-risk patients.