QI project improves care for obstetric hypertensive emergencies

A quality improvement project at an academic medical center increased the percentage of obstetric patients undergoing a hypertensive emergency who received evidence-based treatment within 60 minutes. The study, published in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Journal of Patient Safety, implemented the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health’s Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy patient safety bundle. The project team created a standardized order set, used interdisciplinary team-based simulations, re-evaluated data monthly and incorporated process improvements through several cycles of plan-do-study-act to increase the number of patients receiving appropriate treatment from 64% to more than 80%. A total of 1,025 hypertensive emergencies were identified in 543 patients. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. (AHRQ Journal of Patient Safety article, 10/23/24)