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Initiative Status:

Date and Duration: March 2024 – August 2024

OB Hypertension Sprint: Improvements in Prevention & Identification

Purpose

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, affecting 3–11% of all pregnancies, account for 6.3% of maternal deaths in the United States, highlighting a critical need for improved care and prevention. By implementing the Blue Band Program, hospital teams can identify at-risk patients more effectively and adhere to evidence-based care protocols. This Sprint is expected to improve maternal outcomes and advance the prevention and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

References

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System.; 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance/index.html

Goals & Objectives

1. Enhance the recognition of unique risks associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including eclampsia, severe hypertension, and stroke.

2. Promote the use of low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP).

3. Foster a collaborative approach to problem-solving among healthcare providers to improve outcomes for patients with HDP.

4. Equip hospital teams with tools and strategies to identify and manage hypertensive disorders effectively.

As a result of this Hypertension (HTN) Sprint, nine hospital teams will be implementing Blue Bands in their facilities with MNPQC continuing to work with and support them through this implementation process. These nine teams include Alomere Health Alexandria, Aspirus St. Luke’s Duluth, Essentia Health Brainerd, Hudson Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, Lakewood Health, Northfield Hospital, Ridgeview Medical Center, and Sleepy Eye Medical Center.

Toolkit

Our toolkits provide targeted resources specific to each QI program, offering essential materials to support healthcare teams in achieving improvement goals.

Blue Band Provider & Patient Guide
Blue Band Booklet
March of Dimes: Low Dose, Big Benefits Campaign
MDH – Ordering Blood Pressure Cuffs

Reports

2024 Hypertension (HTN) Sprint Report

Download

Participating Faculty

Jane Taylor, MBA, MHA, Ed. D.
Stephen Contag, MD
Beth Sabol, MD

MNPQC’s Quality Improvement Programs were developed with support and guidance from hospital teams and professional faculty throughout the state of Minnesota. The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by our partners.