A Clinical Audit Management of Hypertension in Pregnancy: Compliance with Standards at a Tertiary Care Hospital Hypertension Management Compliance in Pregnancy: A Alinical Audit

Abstract

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, necessitating strict adherence to clinical guidelines for management. Effective implementation of these guidelines can reduce complications such as pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
Objective: To evaluate compliance with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) and NICE guidelines for managing hypertension in pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 120 pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension were included. Data were collected using a structured checklist based on RCOG and NICE standards, assessing compliance in blood pressure monitoring, antihypertensive medication use, patient education, and delivery plan documentation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, including chi-square tests and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Compliance rates were 95% for blood pressure monitoring, 80% for antihypertensive medication use, 90% for patient education, and 85% for delivery plan documentation. All areas showed significant compliance (p < 0.001) but identified gaps in medication use and planning.
Conclusion: While overall compliance with guidelines was high, targeted improvements in antihypertensive medication administration and delivery plan documentation are necessary to enhance maternal and fetal outcomes.