Team-Based Approach in Hypertension Management: A Quality Improvement Project

BACKGROUND/LOCAL PROBLEM: Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart diseases and stroke among Americans; only 25% have this under control nationwide. METHODS: This quality improvement project evaluated the outcomes of team-based care in hypertension control by registered nurses and certified nurse practitioners in a primary care setting. Pre/post–data analysis of blood pressure (BP) control, and BP knowledge, was done. INTERVENTION: The team provided education and counseling based on knowledge assessment during visits and used unattended automated blood pressure measurement (uAOBPM) techniques to measure BP. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP control (P < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in disease knowledge score pre- and postintervention (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The team-based care approach improved patients' BP control and knowledge of the disease. The uAOBPM technique could be incorporated into clinical settings for accurate BP measurements.