National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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- (-) Blood Pressure (3)
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 3 of 3 Research Studies DisplayedBoyd R, Carter E, Moise N
Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward screening and treatment of masked hypertension in primary care.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore primary care provider (PCP) awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward masked hypertension (MHT.) The researchers conducted 3 focus groups which included 30 PCPs from 3 medical centers in New York. The analysis and thematic content analysis found that there was low knowledge about the prevalence and impact of MHT, awareness of MHT among the participants varied, and only 2 providers had diagnosed MHT. While some PCPs were receptive to MHT screening after learning about its significance, others perceived the current evidence as insufficient to change practice. There was broad consensus for lifestyle changes for MHT but concerns about a lack of randomized trial evidence for antihypertensive medication, and the possibility of harmful side effects. The researchers concluded that limited PCP knowledge about MHT, insufficient evidence, already overburdened PCPs, and concerns about the accuracy and accessibility of screening tests were key barriers to screening and treatment for MHT.
AHRQ-funded; HS024262.
Citation: Boyd R, Carter E, Moise N .
Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward screening and treatment of masked hypertension in primary care.
Am J Hypertens 2021 Dec;34(12):1322-27. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpab115..
Keywords: Blood Pressure, Screening, Primary Care
Cohen DJ, Sweeney SM, Miller WL
Improving smoking and blood pressure outcomes: the interplay between operational changes and local context.
This study identified conditions and operational changes linked to improvements in smoking and blood pressure (BP) outcomes in primary care using samples and interviews from a subset of 104 practices participating in EvidenceNOW, a multisite cardiovascular disease prevention initiative. The authors calculated Clinical Quality Measure improvements, with targets of 10-point or greater absolute improvements in the proportion of patients with smoking screening, and if relevant, counseling and the proportion of hypertensive patients with adequately controlled BP. Primary care staff were surveyed and interviewed. In clinician-owned practices, implementing a workflow to routinely screen and counsel patients on smoking cessation resources, or implementing a documentation change or a referral to a resource alone led to an improvement of at least 10 points in the smoking outcome. These improvements did not occur though in health- or hospital system-owned practices or in Federally Qualified Health Centers. BP outcome improved by at least 10 points among solo practices after medical assistants learned how to take an accurate BP. Among larger, clinician-owned practices, BP outcomes improvement took place when staff took a second BP measurement after the first measurement was elevated and when staff learned where to document this information in the electronic health record. For larger and health- and hospital system-owned practices, 50 or more hours of facilitation was needed to improve BP outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS023940.
Citation: Cohen DJ, Sweeney SM, Miller WL .
Improving smoking and blood pressure outcomes: the interplay between operational changes and local context.
Ann Fam Med 2021 May-Jun;19(3):240-48. doi: 10.1370/afm.2668..
Keywords: Blood Pressure, Tobacco Use, Primary Care, Quality Improvement, Cardiovascular Conditions, Quality of Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Prevention, Outcomes
Howland C, Despins L, Sindt J
Primary care clinic nurse activities with a telehealth monitoring system.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in the types of nursing activities and communication processes reported in a primary care clinic between patients using a home-based monitoring system to electronically communicate self-monitored blood glucose and blood pressure values and those assuming usual care. Significant differences were identified for the direct care nursing activities of providing lifestyle and health education, medication adjustments, and patient follow-up, providing evidence of greater nursing activity reported in a primary care clinic in patients who utilized a home-based monitoring system.
AHRQ-funded; HS017035.
Citation: Howland C, Despins L, Sindt J .
Primary care clinic nurse activities with a telehealth monitoring system.
West J Nurs Res 2021 Jan;43(1):5-12. doi: 10.1177/0193945920923082..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Blood Pressure, Primary Care, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Patient Self-Management, Nursing, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Diabetes