Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph, 2025 Quality
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (& Postpartum)
Ascension St. Joseph identified the need to reduce postpartum readmissions for hypertension management by 20%.
An interdisciplinary team was formed to include nursing and physicians from both inpatient and clinics. Upon completing a gap analysis of best practices, several opportunities specific to postpartum management of hypertension were identified. A physician champion of the team introduced a new algorithm at the department meeting. The recommendations implemented were starting maintenance antihypertensive medication in the postpartum period, blood pressure parameters that suggested readiness for discharge or home blood pressure monitoring, and earlier clinic follow up. The implementation of this best practice algorithm resulted in a significant reduction in postpartum readmissions for hypertension.
Next steps in the project is the development of standardized criteria for readmission versus observation as well as the use of short course postpartum furosemide and optimal dosing of prenatal aspirin.
An interdisciplinary team was formed to include nursing and physicians from both inpatient and clinics. Upon completing a gap analysis of best practices, several opportunities specific to postpartum management of hypertension were identified. A physician champion of the team introduced a new algorithm at the department meeting. The recommendations implemented were starting maintenance antihypertensive medication in the postpartum period, blood pressure parameters that suggested readiness for discharge or home blood pressure monitoring, and earlier clinic follow up. The implementation of this best practice algorithm resulted in a significant reduction in postpartum readmissions for hypertension.
Next steps in the project is the development of standardized criteria for readmission versus observation as well as the use of short course postpartum furosemide and optimal dosing of prenatal aspirin.
