Postpartum Readmission Rates for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To compare the postpartum (PP) readmission rates of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) before and after implementation of an early discharge policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective, quality improvement study of patients with HDP who delivered and were readmitted at NYU Langone Health from March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020 (Pre) and from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021 (Post). The primary outcome was comparison of PP readmission rates between groups. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test, with significance defined as P<.05. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in readmission rates for PP HDP after implementation of an early discharge policy (19 readmissions of 1,851 deliveries with HDP [1.03%] versus 23 readmissions of 1,847 deliveries with HDP [1.25%];P=.53). Demographics in each group were similar, as were mean times to readmission (6.4±5.4 days versus 6.4±5.4 days;P=.88) and mean readmission lengths of stay (3.0±1.04 days versus 3.3±1.2 days;P=.45). There was one ICU readmission in the post-group versus none in the pregroup (P=.45). There were no maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: These findings support reducing postpartum lengths of stay without increasing readmissions for HDP. The reduction of postpartum length of stay was accompanied by the continuation of a home blood pressure monitoring and introduction of outpatient HDP management guidelines. Further investigation into best practices to support early discharge is warranted.