Implementation of a standardized nurse initiated protocol to manage severe hypertension in pregnancy

Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, studies have shown that standardized protocols for treating severe hypertension improves outcomes. Our goal was to examine the effects of a protocol for treating severe hypertension. Methods: Using quality improvement methodology, we developed an evidence-based nurse-initiated protocol for management of severe hypertension. We used a before and after study design, with the primary outcome of time to administration of antihypertensive medications and time to achieve blood pressure control. Secondary outcomes included medication usage, time to repeat blood pressure, and proportion of women receiving appropriate treatment. Statistical analysis was completed with Stata, using data medians, 95% confidence intervals and a rank-sum test. Results: Data was collected for 5 months before and 5 months after protocol implementation, with 67 patients included before and 125 patients after implementation. The median time to treatment of severe range blood pressure decreased from 25 min before to 11 min after protocol implementation, p <.001. Twenty-four% of women were treated within 15 min before and 60.6% were treated within 15 min after protocol implementation. Median time required to regain sustained mild range blood pressure was reduced from 45 min before to 41 min after protocol implementation, p = .004. 67.5% of women regained mild range blood pressure within 60 min before and 81.9% achieved blood pressure control within 60 min after protocol implementation. These improved outcomes were evident within the first month after protocol implementation and remained stable throughout the follow-up period. Discussion: Implementation of an evidence-based nurse-initiated protocol for the treatment of severe hypertension in pregnancy decreases the time required to administer antihypertensive medication, time required to regain blood pressure control and nonbeneficial clinical variation. In addition, these benefits were achieved rapidly within a large hospital setting.