In authors or contributors

Co-designing an intervention for cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primary care

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Co-designing an intervention for cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primary care
Abstract
Abstract Background Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although clinical practice guidelines for management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy recommend involvement of a general practitioner for ongoing cardiovascular disease preventative care, there are no intervention strategies embedded within primary care aimed at improving risk assessment or management for women after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study aim was to co-design an intervention to improve implementation of cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for primary care settings in a local health district in New South Wales, Australia. Method Using the Integrated Knowledge Translation framework, a series of five co-design meetings with the investigative team and end users were conducted online. Meetings were informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework for intervention development and incorporated research findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis, surveys and an online discussion. Data from activities and audio recordings following each meeting were analysed thematically using inductive–deductive thematic analysis. Results were summarized after each meeting, and findings used to inform ongoing intervention development. Results The 18 end users included women with lived experience of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy ( n  = 8), obstetricians ( n  = 2), midwives ( n  = 5) and general practitioners ( n  = 3). Target priorities were to improve communication between hospital staff and general practitioners following the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and increase the knowledge of general practitioners and women regarding cardiovascular disease prevention after cardiometabolic pregnancy complications. Part 1 of the intervention is set within the hospital setting and delivered via physical resources to address the communication gap between hospital and primary care providers about the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Part 2 is delivered via an update to an existing general practice education platform and through resources for use within consultations to provide education for women and general practitioners about cardiovascular disease prevention after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Conclusion The Integrated Knowledge Translation and Behaviour Change Wheel frameworks aided in the development of a targeted intervention to improve implementation of cardiovascular risk assessment and management for women after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, based on gaps identified in current primary care practice.
Publication
Health Research Policy and Systems
Date
2025-02-20
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
23
Journal Abbr
Health Res Policy Sys
Accessed
9/10/25, 3:06 AM
ISSN
1478-4505
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes

Study topic
Development of a co-designed intervention to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management for women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), integrated into primary care.

Study type
Qualitative co-design study using the Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) frameworks.

Key findings

  • Women and GPs were often unaware of the long-term CVD risks following HDP, and communication between hospital and primary care was inconsistent.
  • HealthPathways was identified as a key platform for delivering updated clinical guidance and referral processes to support GPs.
  • The intervention includes:

    1. Hospital discharge resources to flag HDP history and prompt follow-up.
    2. Updates to HealthPathways modules to include CVD prevention guidance.
    3. GP consultation tools to support education and ongoing heart health checks.
  • Co-design with stakeholders ensured relevance, feasibility, and alignment with local needs.
  • The intervention is ready for pilot testing and has potential for broader application across health systems.
Citation
Slater, K., Taylor, R., McLaughlin, K., Pennell, C. E., Forbes, K., Marcetic, M., Collins, C. E., & Hutchesson, M. (2025). Co-designing an intervention for cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primary care. Health Research Policy and Systems, 23(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-024-01269-6