Scientific Poster Session IV - Hot Topic Themed Presentations

Special - Hot Topic Themed Presentations
  Tuesday, October 15, 2024
  08:30 AM–10:00 AM

Abstract

Service or Program:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States and its prevalence is on the rise. There is a need for expansion of Women’s Health services and pharmacists are qualified practitioners to provide hypertensive medication management. During the pandemic, an innovative Women’s Health Specialty Service was implemented at Community Health Network utilizing clinical pharmacy specialists to provide Collaborative Drug Therapy Management telehealth services targeting vulnerable high-risk postpartum patients with hypertension.

Justification/Documentation:

Maternal mortality caused by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is highest in the first six weeks postpartum. Practice guidelines recommend follow up blood pressure assessment within 7-10 days for patients with hypertension and within 72 hours for severe hypertension. However, postpartum patients often encounter multiple barriers to care after deliveries. Pharmacist-led telehealth services increase access to care and ensure safety of care for patients on multiple antihypertensive medications by providing blood pressure monitoring, medication titration and optimization.

Adaptability:

Telehealth services can be used to expand access for patients who live in remote or underserved areas, or who experience barriers to attending office visits. Additionally, virtual services provide shorter wait-times and allow for more frequent follow-up for high-risk postpartum populations. Utilization of video visits makes service implementation more successful and helps to eliminate transportation and childcare barriers while providing flexibility of scheduling. This patient-centered model of care can transform care of high-risk postpartum patients with hypertension.

Significance:

Telehealth postpartum hypertension service provides pharmacists an opportunity for early-identification and management of high-risk patients. Pharmacists, through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, can help address gaps in current medical care by increasing access, promoting adherence to guidelines, and evaluating medication effectiveness and safety, all with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality in the United States.

Presenting Author

Kelly Cochran PharmD
Community Health Network

Authors

Bailee Belcher PharmD
Community Health Network

Judy T. Chen PharmD
Community Health Network

Natalie Kinstler PharmD
Community Health Network