Establishing Better Evidence on Remote Monitoring for Postpartum Hypertension: A Silver Lining of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Michala Sawyer, Elana Jaffe, Mariam Naqvi, Amy Sarma, William H. Barth, Ilona T. Goldfarb
Abstract
The transformation of our health care system in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides a unique opportunity to examine the use of telehealth for postpartum care. The postpartum period can pose significant risks and challenges, particularly for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Remote blood pressure monitoring has proven feasible and acceptable among women and providers but has not been widely implemented or researched. Early studies have identified improved outcomes with use of telehealth, including increased compliance with care and decreased disparity in hypertension follow-up. Preliminary data make a compelling case for remote monitoring as a promising treatment strategy to manage postpartum hypertension. Remote monitoring technology should be incorporated as a standard component for the comprehensive management of postpartum hypertension during COVID-19. As a consequence of the pandemic, we now have an opportunity to research the impact of postpartum remote blood pressure monitoring on maternal outcome and disparities within these outcomes.