INSAF-HAS: a tool to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of a tool aimed to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care, based on identification of individuals in greater need of attention. METHODS: The tool was developed and assessed for face and content validity, which was carried out in three stages. Phase I consisted of comprehensive literature review, which prompted the development of the first version of the tool. Phase II consisted of validation by an expert panel. Phase III consisted of a pilot study with hypertensive patients and preparation of the final version of the instrument. RESULTS: Literature review yielded 30 studies, out of which 13 factors associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease control and complications were selected. Once the initial version of the tool named INSAF-HAS was obtained, four expert meetings were held, each leading to instrument improvement until a final consensus was reached. In the pilot study, INSAF-HAS was applied to 30 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension for applicability pretest; adjustments were made and the final version of INSAF-HAS obtained. CONCLUSION: The INSAF-HAS tool developed in this study has face and content validity, and may contribute to the selection of patients with hypertension in greater need of pharmaceutical care services.