Reproduction Abstracts

In July 2022, the NSW Ministry of Health launched a four-year project aimed at improving care for women experiencing Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). As part of this initiative, we’ve developed educational resources, enhanced data collection tools, and expanded services for women affected by HG. Most notably, we’ve introduced new models of care, including the option for administering IV fluids at home. The objectives were to deliver safe and efficient NVP/HG care with clear, streamlined pathways for healthcare professionals, to offer at-home care for women experiencing NVP/HG to minimise disruption to their personal lives and to reduce hospital costs by decreasing the need for day or inpatient stays. We partnered with existing Hospital in the Home (HITH) services to expand care to include women experiencing NVP/HG. Referrals were accepted from GPs, ED, and Day Units where women typically receive fluid administration. New guidelines were developed to ensure safe and appropriate care in the home setting. We have successfully launched the program at 2 out of 3 sites. Over the past 10 months, we’ve provided care to 24 women in HITH settings for HG, with care durations ranging from 4 to 42 days. Our estimated savings to the Local Health District are approximately AUD $551,785.92 in hospital costs. We’ve also seen a significant decrease in ED presentations and re-presentations. Women have reported much better outcomes, benefiting from more intensive care at home. This has allowed them to continue working, socialising, and spending time with their families with minimal disruption to their personal lives. Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Keywords: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy, At-Home Care, Hospital in the Home, IV Therapy, Healthcare Cost Savings, Patient Outcomes