Ascension St. Joseph Hospital has successfully implemented a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing hospital readmissions among new mothers experiencing postpartum preeclampsia—a potentially serious condition that can develop before or after childbirth.
A Proactive, Team-Based Approach
In response to an observed increase in postpartum readmissions related to high blood pressure, an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and clinicians launched a targeted effort to take a more proactive approach.
“Coming to the hospital to have a baby is expected—but having to return due to potentially serious complications is not,” said Courtney Pickar, perinatal clinical nurse specialist at Ascension St. Joseph.
Developing an Evidence-Based Solution
Through a comprehensive analysis and review of current literature and research, the team developed a standardized, evidence-based algorithm to guide the management of postpartum hypertension. Key components of the new approach include:
- A lower threshold for initiating maintenance antihypertensive therapy
- Defined blood pressure parameters to determine discharge readiness
- Earlier postpartum follow-up appointments and/or home blood pressure monitoring
The algorithm was introduced to clinical teams and reinforced through education and communication efforts across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Meaningful Results in Maternal Health
The impact has been significant. After the first six months of implementing this approach, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital achieved a greater than 50% reduction in postpartum hypertension readmissions—from a baseline rate of 3.5% to just 0.86%. Further chart reviews confirmed that remaining readmissions during this period were due to new onset postpartum pre-eclampsia after discharge, which could not have been prevented through earlier intervention.
Monitoring at Home, Supporting Moms
The home blood pressure monitoring program supplies pregnant persons and new moms diagnosed with hypertension with a free blood pressure cuff to monitor and report blood pressures from the comfort of their home without needing to schedule an additional appointment. “We want to keep our moms and babies together while in the hospital and after they leave. We accomplish that by promoting healthy outcomes for both, through a variety of initiatives,” said Pickar. ”This is an example of just one of several great initiatives at this hospital that is helping to achieve better outcomes for our moms and their babies.”
This initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care. This successful approach to reduce hospital readmissions for women postpartum, has been implemented at Ascension hospitals across the state.
Recognized for Quality
Ascension St. Joseph was named one of America's Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek Magazine, earning a five-ribbon performance only 182 hospitals across the country and six in Wisconsin achieved.
This annual ranking recognizes the top maternity hospitals in the U.S., spotlighting institutions that excel in providing exceptional care throughout the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period.
