Community pharmacist surveillance of hypertension in pregnancy: Are we ready for prime time?

Background:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with serious maternal and perinatal complications. For nonsevere hypertension, there is a lack of consensus regarding treatment during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Further, there is considerable variability in guidelines for antihypertensive drug choices. As part of a Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN)–funded project, we piloted a novel surveillance strategy in which community pharmacists recruited pregnant and breastfeeding women to monitor their blood pressure and medication use and to provide education on HDP.Methods:Participating pharmacists were required to complete a certified training program, identify and recruit patients who were pregnant or breastfeeding, obtain informed consent, administer a patient questionnaire and complete an initial case report form for enrolled patients. Study outcomes included the feasibility of community pharmacists to enroll patients and carry out study-related documentation and follow-u...