Impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on short- and long-term outcomes of pregnancy-associated hemorrhagic stroke

Health-related needs of survivors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: implications for health communication interventions

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are key contributors to maternal morbidity, mortality, and future risk of cardiovascular disease. This exploratory study aimed to unearth the health-related needs of women with a reported history of HDP by inquiring about preferences for care.

METHOD

Deductive, qualitative analysis was conducted of HDP survivors' retrospective 'wishes' about the care received.

RESULTS

In analyzing 244 open-ended, online survey responses, we identified a taxonomy of health-related needs arising across the trajectory of HDP: clinical information, needs requiring clinical knowledge, such as information about the etiology or prognosis of HDP; medical, needs associated with HDP intervention and management; logistical, needs regarding practical information, such as how to contact a provider or obtain the correct medical device; emotional, needs involving a desire for support or validation; and communication, needs for improved explanations and recognition of HDP.

CONCLUSIONS

A taxonomy of diverse health-related needs may assist clinicians in approaching HDP patients more holistically. Additionally, opportunities exist for health communication research to inform standard approaches to HDP-related communication flowing from provider to patient.