Differences in the classification of hypertensive controlled patient in primary care: Cross sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in blood pressure control using the 2006 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and the 2007 Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) standards. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: 28 general practices located in Wandsworth, London. PARTICIPANTS: Hypertensive patients aged 17 years and over. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Percentage of hypertensive patients classified as a hypertensive controlled patient (HCP) by each standard. RESULTS: 79.5% of patients were classified as a HCP by the QOF target and 60.7% by the NICE target. 93% and 14% of practices had more than 70% of patients classified as a HPC by using the QOF and NICE targets respectively. By applying the QOF target, men aged 45–64 years and 65 years and over had significantly higher probability of being classified as a HCP compared to those aged 17–44 years, OR 1.34 (1.08–.165) and OR 2.15 (1.61–2.87) respectively. Regardless of the target, for men the probability of being classified as a HCP increased with age. CONCLUSION: Better achievement of blood pressure control targets is present when the less stringent QOF target is used. Men aged 65 years and over were more likely to be classified as a HCP. Greater consistency is needed between the clinical targets in QOF and NICE guidance.