This study will examine whether a patient navigation program can help improve long-term heart health among people who experienced high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy at Boston Medical Center (BMC). Conditions such as preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. However, many patients do not receive timely follow-up care after pregnancy, especially once routine postpartum care ends.
about 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard care, which includes clinician-directed counseling about cardiovascular risk and recommendations for follow-up care. The other group will receive support from a patient navigator in addition to standard care. Patient navigators, also known as Community Wellness Advocates (CWAs), are trained staff who help patients connect with health services, understand their health risks, and navigate the healthcare system.
The main goals of the study are to determine whether this navigation program is practical to implement and acceptable to patients and healthcare providers. Researchers will also examine whether the program improves follow-up with primary care, cardiovascular risk assessment, and engagement in heart-healthy behaviors. Information will be collected from medical records, surveys, and interviews with participants and healthcare staff. Participants will be followed for one year