Optimizing Inpatient Preeclampsia Discharge Practices

Postpartum preeclampsia poses a substantial risk for cardiovascular complications and mortality amongst affected mothers. The scarcity of widespread understanding regarding the symptomatic presentation and associated risks of postpartum preeclampsia contributes to an elevated incidence of readmissions following childbirth. Such readmissions exert a detrimental effect on maternal-infant bonding, intensify healthcare-related expenditures, and amplify the maternal susceptibility for cardiac complications and mortality. Existing research accentuates the preventability of preeclampsia-related readmissions through meticulous and comprehensive patient education. A review of the literature points to the efficacy of modified discharge instruction protocols in mitigating the occurrence of postpartum preeclampsia readmissions. Consequently, an educational intervention engrained in evidence-based practice was introduced to evaluate the influence of a postpartum preeclampsia awareness on the frequency that postpartum registered nurses (RNs) provide patients with preeclampsia education at the time of discharge. The intervention design was informed by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Iowa Model Revised, which were used in conjunction to formulate a survey that assessed RNs perceptions of and confidence related to postpartum preeclampsia, as well as the effect of unit education on the frequency and quality of preeclampsia discharge teaching. The intervention intended to enhance nurses' knowledge and confidence in divulging education concerning the appropriateness of seeking outpatient versus emergent care for postpartum preeclampsia. If maintained, the intervention has the potential to diminish the occurrences of maternal-child separation, reduce readmission rates, and lessen the risks of adverse outcomes for postpartum.