Blood pressure levels can change from one moment to the next, depending on both physical activity and emotional state. Monitoring blood pressure consistently and accurately is a challenge and a key element to diagnose and treat hypertension. Proper treatment of high blood pressure may prevent cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Through funding from the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) healthcare facilities across South Dakota, including Faulkton Area Medical Center (FAMC), are working to implement and improve self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) to improve health outcomes. A full list of success stories is available on the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention website.
“We had been working on developing a chronic disease monitoring and follow-up program when this grant opportunity presented itself. Since it fit in with the goals we were trying to accomplish on our own, we thought it would be best to use a proven program to obtain the best results,” explained April Sorensen, RDN, LN, RDN/Education Coordinator at FAMC. “At the time of our grant application and program initiation, we had 467 adult patients diagnosed with hypertension. This represents 31 percent of our adult patient population, and 61 (13 percent) of them were considered uncontrolled. That number was alarming, and we knew we needed a system to help manage this chronic health issue.”
Starting in March 2021, the FAMC team identified patients who would benefit from additional blood pressure monitoring using data gathered during clinic visits and/or obtained from medical records. Individuals meeting program criteria were loaned a blood pressure cuff or brought in their home machine to check for accuracy. After monitoring their blood pressure twice a day for two weeks, participants returned for a follow-up appointment to determine next steps.
Sorensen continued, “Our patients have been very receptive to this program. They are eager to learn and improve their health. The majority complete the entire program and are compliant with the recommendations. They appreciate being provided the tools and follow-up visits to help them achieve their health goals.”
Between March 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, FAMC enrolled 28 participants in SMBP. Of those, 21 completed the program, with 12 needing medication changes and/or other interventions. Nine were identified as having controlled blood pressure outside the clinical setting, requiring no changes to their treatment plan.
“The program gives our providers better data to help manage patients,” Sorensen added. “It has freed up some provider time since our ancillary staff meet with participants to explain and provide education. Our dietitian has also done numerous DASH diet education sessions in-person and through Zoom.”
The success of the program has led to FAMC receiving continued funding from the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program to expand the SMBP program to include eligible hospital patients from the time of discharge until the follow-up appointment.
“The mission statement for Faulkton Area Medical Center is to provide the appropriate level of healthcare on the continuum that is efficient and effective in order to achieve the best health for those we serve,” recited Sorensen. “Ultimately, our hope is to help our patients better manage their blood pressure by giving them knowledge and tools to be successful.”
Source: Great Plains QIN Q Insider – Published February 2022