A survey of 253 UK clinicians revealed significant practice variations, communication barriers, and inconsistent timing of care transfer from hospital to primary care for postpartum hypertension.
Cross-Sectional (n=253)
Yes
A UK survey reveals significant practice variation, communication barriers, and inconsistent care transfer in the postpartum management of hypertension, highlighting the need for better guidance and coordination.
• Postpartum blood pressure control is important for long-term cardiovascular health. • Practice variation and barriers to good, equitable postpartum care were identified. • Recommendations include improving hospital-to-GP transfer (information there were 38 questions. The survey was delivered via the Doctors.net (for obstetricians and general practitioners) and Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) online platforms (for Midwives) from May to November 2023. A total of 253 clinicians responded to the survey, including 101 General Practitioners, 100 doctors working in maternity care, trained in obstetrics (obstetricians) or with specialist expertise in medical disorders in pregnancy (obstetric physicians), 50 midwives, and 2 maternity support workers. Women’s care generally transferred from secondary to primary care at around two weeks postpartum, although this was not consistent, and there were differences in practice, awareness, and expectations between professions around the management of hypertension and responsibility. Communication barriers between professional groups and a need for better guidance and co-ordination were highlighted, and most professionals agreed that self-measured blood pressure readings could support postpartum care for those with hypertension. The survey highlighted variations in the practice and expectations of different healthcare professionals involved in postpartum care. The time when care was transferred from hospital to primary care was not consistent, with potential for women’s care to fall through gaps. The transfer of information and women’s ability to access care at this time were highlighted as problematic.
Tucker et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Postpartum hypertension (n=253). Cross-sectional online survey was evaluated on Current practice, awareness, and expectations around the management of postpartum hypertension. A survey of 253 UK clinicians revealed significant practice variations, communication barriers, and inconsistent timing of care transfer from hospital to primary care for postpartum hypertension.