Exploring the Effect of Discharge Education, Blood Pressure Cuffs, and Postpartum Bracelets to Improve Health Among Newly Diagnosed Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia Patients During the Postpartum Period.
This pilot, exploratory qualitative, descriptive study will examine whether standard postpartum discharge education, a free home blood pressure cuff, and an "At-Risk Postpartum" bracelet support self-management among postpartum patients newly diagnosed with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center. Up to 40 eligible patients will receive standard postpartum education supplemented with blood pressure monitoring instruction, the Preeclampsia Foundation's blood pressure guidance sheet, and a bracelet intended to serve as a visual reminder of postpartum risk. Participants will complete virtual interviews at 6 and 10 weeks post-discharge to assess home blood pressure monitoring, knowledge retention, perceived usefulness of the bracelet, self-advocacy, and barriers to following recommended self-management behaviors. Findings will help determine whether these low-burden educational and practical tools can improve postpartum awareness, engagement, and safety, and will inform the design of a larger future study.
Patients with a preexisting diagnosis of chronic hypertension or PE, or are curr...