Abstract 4143849: The Impact of Community Health Workers in a Pre-existing Postpartum Hypertension Program

Background: Maternal mortality in the United States continues to rise, with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) playing a significant role in adverse outcomes. Patients of color have worse outcomes compared to their White counterparts. Data in non-pregnant patients suggests community health workers (CHWs) can help mitigate disparities and improve HDP outcomes. Does exposure to a CHW improve patient education about HDP and satisfaction and are these findings different between Black and non-Black patients? Methods: This was a prospective survey study that enrolled patients delivering at the University of Chicago (UCM). Patients with HDP are automatically enrolled in a standardized postpartum hypertension education program (STAMPP-HTN) where they receive education and a blue tooth compatible blood pressure monitor. Patients who did not record their blood pressures were contacted by a CHW and surveyed about their experience. Results were compared between Black and Non-Black patients using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum, X 2 or Fisher’s Exact test, as appropriate. Results: There were 32 survey responses from 22 respondents and 15 patients with complete baseline data, 6 of whom were Black and 9 of whom were non-Black. There were no differences in age, insurance status, or pregnancy outcomes between groups. Additionally, of the 32 survey responses, there were no significant differences in experiences with a CHW between Black and non-Black patients. Table 1 outlines the impact of CHW on patient’s education and attitude towards HDP. Most patients found that CHW involvement increased the amount of time they checked their blood pressure (76%) with no difference between races (p=0.23). Overall, 84% patients (strongly agreed or agreed) that their CHW knows the important issues about their healthcare. Conclusion: The incorporation of a CHW program into a pre-existing postpartum hypertension program was overall well-received by patients with no racial disparity. The program increased the patient’s understanding of HDP and lead to a better follow up of their blood pressures values. Further work is needed to determine how this program impacts long-term patient’s outcomes.