New Program Significantly Improves BP Control in Primary Care
The “MAP” hypertension quality-improvement program was associated with significant improvements in hypertension control in primary care over a 6-month period, according to the results of a recent study.
“MAP” stands for:
- Measuring blood pressure accurately,
- Acting rapidly to manage uncontrolled BP
- Partnering with patients to promote BP self-management
The researchers conducted quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention comparing the blood pressure measurements of controlled and uncontrolled patients at baseline. For “measure accurately”, if attended blood pressure was 140/90 or greater, researchers obtained unattended, automated blood pressure. “Act rapidly” involved intensification of blood pressure medication when unattended blood pressure was 140/90 or greater. “Partner with patients” included blood pressure self-monitoring and low-priced generic blood pressure medication use, as assessed by a fall in systolic blood pressure per therapeutic intensification.
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Overall, blood pressure control rose from 65.6% to 74.8%, with 12 of 16 practices having significant increases in blood pressure control. In patients who had uncontrolled blood pressure at baseline, mean blood pressure fell from 149/85 to 139/80, and the mean fall in systolic blood pressure per therapeutic change increased from 5.4 to 14.0 mm Hg.
“Evidence-based strategies in MAP provide opportunities for primary care practices to quickly improve hypertension control toward the national goals of 80%, and importantly to reduce cardiovascular risk,” the researchers concluded.
—Michael Potts
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