Improving blood pressure control in primary care: feasibility and impact of the ImPress intervention

Abstract of a paper presented at he 2015 PHC Research Conference, 29-31 July, Adelaide, Australia. Disciplines Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences Publication Details Zwar, N., Hermiz, O., Halcomb, E., Davidson, P. & Bodenheimer, T. (2015). Improving blood pressure control in primary care: feasibility and impact of the ImPress intervention. 2015 Primary Health Care Research Conference: Program & Abstracts Australia: Primary Health Care Research and Information Service. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers/3330 Home > Resources > Resource feed > Item Author(s) Nicholas Zwar*, Oshana Hermiz, Elizabeth Halcomb, Patricia Davidson, Tom Bodenheimer Organisation University of New South Wales, John Hopkins University, University of California, University of Wolloongong Aims & rationale Blood pressure is not treated to target in more than 50% of adults with hypertension. The benefit of blood pressure control is greatest for those at high absolute risk. This study tests the feasibility and impact of a new approach to identifying and targeting patients in primary care for improved hypertension management. The ImPress intervention is based on the Chronic Care Model and is delivered by the practice nurse in partnership with the patients and their GP. Methods A before/after study involving 10 general practices in Sydney. Patients were identified by Clinical Audit Tool (CAT). Findings From 507 patients invited 118 (23%) completed an assessment visit and 85 were confirmed as having uncontrolled hypertension. Of these 82 patients consented to be involved (mean age 63, 62% male). The mean BP at baseline was 150/86. Patients had a series of contacts with PNs and GPs to set and implement goals. To date 10 patients have completed six month follow-up. The decrease in mean systolic BP from baseline was 14mmHg. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 PNs, 7 GPs and 12 patients. Both PNs and GPs found the intervention easy to understand and coherent with their respective roles. Relevance to policy, research and/or practice needs The ImPress study is an example of active practice population management using Resource item http://www.phcris.org.au/resources/item.php?id=8219&spindex=3 1 of 2 25/11/2015 3:48 PM computerised tools. Lessons from the pilot included the need to automate the CAT searches and that active follow-up of the nurses was important after the education workshops to reinforce understanding and deal with barriers. Presentation type