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Abstract

Background
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 10% of pregnancies and can have serious consequences.

Aims
To explore the experiences of pregnant women with a history of hypertension using an innovative home blood pressure monitoring device.

Methods
A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach was undertaken. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Women were given a blood pressure machine to monitor their blood pressure daily. They inserted their blood pressure results on a smartphone app and answered questions for signs of pre-eclampsia. Participants were followed up every 2 weeks.

Findings
The results suggested that women wanted a holistic care pathway for the management of hypertension in pregnancy. Three subcategories (‘empowerment’, ‘comparison of care pathways’ and ‘continuity of care’) were also identified.

Conclusions
The traditional management of hypertension in pregnancy is not holistic. The home blood pressure service was accepted by women and incorporated elements of holistic care but more is required to meet the standard of care that women need.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Midwifery copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.2.92.
Publisher Keywords:	Home blood pressure monitoring, Pregnancy, Hypertension, Blood pressure, Pre-eclampsia
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Midwifery & Radiography
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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