Development of a Postpartum Follow-Up Program in a Fetal Center.

Abstract

Introduction: Patients delivering in a highly specialized fetal center often travel a distance from their homes and primary care providers, leaving the potential for significant gaps in comprehensive postpartum care. The objective of the study was to evaluate the implementation, engagement, and outcomes of a nurse-led postpartum follow-up program during its first year of inception.

Methods: A registered nurse conducted outreach via phone, text, or email at 2-3 and 6-8 weeks postpartum for all patients who delivered in a special delivery unit of a children's hospital. Standardized scripts included medical and mental health concerns to assess engagement, postpartum complications, care utilization, contraception use, lactation, and follow-up completion.

Results: Of 407 patients, 503 total outreach calls were completed. The engagement rate was high, with contact established for 89.9% of participants. At least one clinical concern was identified in over 25% of patients, prompting further follow-up. Only 1.7% required readmission and 94.3% visited an emergency department, rates comparable to national postpartum benchmarks. At 6-8 weeks, 75% had attended or scheduled a postpartum visit. Contraception use was reported by 65% of patients, and 67% reported active lactation. Mental health screening flagged 6.4% of patients, with a significantly higher rate (26.5%) among those who experienced fetal or neonatal loss compared to those who did not (4.3%, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion: The implementation of a comprehensive nurse-led postpartum program in a fetal therapy center achieved a high engagement rate and demonstrated feasibility and value in bridging care gaps supporting the expansion of telehealth-based postpartum follow-up in fetal therapy centers.