Abstract: FR-PO0963
Patient Experiences of Care Across Pregnancy, Delivery, and the Postpartum Period Among Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Session Information
- Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
- 2100 Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
Authors
- Bandi, Satya Sai Sri, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Boehmer, Kasey, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Stephen, Angela Lucy, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Sosso, Jessica, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Kattah, Andrea G., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Background
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are increasingly common and contribute to maternal morbidity, mortality, and long-term cardiovascular risk, including later hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. Less is known about how care experiences across pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum shape outcomes or differ between rural and urban settings. We conducted a qualitative pilot study to explore patient-reported barriers and facilitators to care after recent HDP, with the goal of improving postpartum care.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative pilot study of women with HDP in the prior 6 months who received care through Mayo Clinic Health System. A community- and Mayo Clinic Rural Health Core–informed semi-structured interview guide explored pregnancy care, childbirth preparation, delivery decision-making, discharge education, and care after returning home. Participants completed demographic and discrimination questionnaires. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results
We completed 19 interviews with women who experienced HDP. Participants were 24–37 years old, included both primiparous and multiparous women, and were nearly equally represented from rural (n=10) and urban (n=9) settings. Preliminary analysis identified five themes across the pregnancy-to-postpartum care pathway: provider communication and patient–clinician relationship, scheduling and access to care, cost and insurance concerns, education and preparedness, and care coordination and postpartum support. Participants highlighted the importance of clear and compassionate communication, flexible scheduling around work and family responsibilities, transparent information about costs and coverage, improved education about HDP-related risks and warning signs, and stronger postpartum support. Some of the suggested improvements included nurse home visits, more frequent and sooner postpartum follow-up visits, and additional check-ins after discharge.
Conclusion
Participants identified barriers and facilitators that may inform patient-centered interventions to improve care transitions and support after HDP. Findings highlight the need for proactive, accessible, and coordinated care models beginning before discharge and continuing after returning home.