Diagnostic Evaluation of Palpitations in Obstetric Triage

Authors

Annslee J. Lowe, University of New Mexico, School of Medicine
Anna Shields, University of New Mexico, School of Medicine

Files

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

7-12-2024

Abstract

Palpitations are a common reason for pregnant patients to pursue medical evaluation. The range of etiologies that can contribute to palpitations is broad and includes life-threatening causes, while the physiologic changes in systemic hemodynamics that occur in pregnancy add further complexity to medical decision making in obstetric (OB) triage. While the literature suggests that diagnostic evaluation of palpitations in pregnant patients does not meaningfully differ from that of non-pregnant patients, many OB triage providers experience uncertainty in working up palpitations in pregnancy. Within University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) OB Triage, underlying causes for uncertainty were assessed and found to include the lack of a centralized workflow, which can contribute to adverse outcomes. To address the challenges that exist in working up palpitations in pregnant patients at UNMH OB Triage, we propose a change to workflow using a formalized decision tree to be made available to triage clinicians. Our decision tree compiles current diagnostic recommendations, focuses on when to escalate care, and is includes special consideration for pregnant patients. This clinical resource intends to optimize interprofessional workflow, as initial history-taking, laboratory investigation, and management is a shared responsibility amongst the OB Triage care team. Ultimately, this project proposes an upstream interprofessional intervention in the diagnostic evaluation of palpitations to prevent adverse health outcomes in pregnant populations at UNMH OB Triage.

Recommended Citation

Lowe, Annslee J. and Anna Shields. "Diagnostic Evaluation of Palpitations in Obstetric Triage." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ipe_posters/21