Between 2016 and 2019, 16% of birthing patients had gestational or pre-existing hypertension. In response, the DCPQC began implementing the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health’s (AIM) Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy patient safety bundle in all five of the District’s birthing hospitals in August 2021. The percentage of birthing facilities that have patient education materials on urgent postpartum warning signs increased from 0% in Q4 2021 to 80% in Q3 2023. Between Q4 2021 and Q4 2023, the proportion of women receiving Timely Treatment of Persistent Severe Hypertension increased from 35.9% to 85.4%. The DC PQC is now in sustainability mode for the Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy patient safety bundle. The AIM Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy Maternal Patient Safety Bundle provides guidance to hospitals to coordinate and standardize the care provided to women with severe hypertension during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
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