The impact of COVID-19 on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: An assessment of quality of care and outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect up to 10% of women and require close monitoring to prevent adverse outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person care, prompting adaptations in follow-up strategies. This study assesses the pandemic's impact on HDP management at a Quebec tertiary-level health center.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study compared a pandemic group to a prepandemic matched control group of pregnant women with HDP (2015-2020). The primary outcome was the difference in the total number of antenatal follow ups.

RESULTS

Although nonsignificant, total follow ups increased by 11% during the pandemic (RR = 1.11; p = 0.122), driven by a fivefold rise in telephone visits (RR = 5.05; p < 0.001), while in-person visits remained stable. Adverse outcomes rates showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSION

Increased telehealth use complemented stable in-person care, supporting continuity and flexibility in HDP management. Telehealth holds promise as a supportive tool in prenatal care delivery.