AHRQ highlights postpartum care strategies

Postpartum home blood pressure monitoring significantly lowered the risk of high blood pressure-related hospital admissions and reduced racial disparities in blood pressure data collection by nearly half, according to a study. Published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-funded study was part of a systematic review. Another AHRQ-funded systematic review of 64 studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology found a lactation consultant or peer support for breastfeeding improved breastfeeding outcomes, and reminders increased oral glucose tolerance testing rates. However, the site of care delivery — at home, in a clinic or via telehealth, with or without information technology — did not affect patient outcomes. A recent AHRQ study, published in JAMA Network Open, found “moderate evidence” extending postpartum Medicaid coverage improves maternal outcomes. (AHRQ News Now article, 8/15/23)