(309) Enhancing Postpartum Contraception with QR code Technology in High-Risk Pregnancies

Objective: With the evolving landscape of abortion laws across the United States, the importance of postpartum contraception has increased, particularly for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies requiring antepartum hospitalization. Conversations about contraception are often overshadowed by the myriad of other discussions related to high-risk pregnancies. This is especially significant for birthing persons of color, given the historical context of systemic racism and coercion related to permanent sterilization. This quality improvement project aimed to address these issues by implementing a novel approach using technology to facilitate patient education and discussion about contraception.

Study Design: A standardized quick response (QR) code was placed in patient rooms, linking a comprehensive website detailing birth control options, safety profiles, and side effects each method. Our objective was to increase the establishment of postpartum contraception plans upon discharge.

Results: The project analyzed pregnancies admitted to our institution's antepartum unit, who delivered during the same admission, over two periods: one year before (n=72) and one year after (n=98) QR code implementation. Post-implementation, the proportion of patients establishing a birth control plan increased significantly (71.4% vs. 50%, p=0.006). Postpartum tubal sterilizations rose from 11.1% to 16.3% (p=0.379) and post-placental IUD placements from 1.4% to 4.1% (p=0.397). More Black patients chose permanent contraception after QR education implementation (p=0.016).

Conclusion: This quality improvement project showed significant improvements in addressing contraception methods and highlight the potential of leveraging technology to enhance patient education and empowerment, particularly in high-risk pregnancy settings. This novel proof-of-concept underscores the importance of innovative approaches to address healthcare gaps.