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Effects of a multifaceted educational program on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients: the
Sabine Perl1, Vesna Riegelnik, Peter Mrak
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. sabine.perl@medunigraz.at
Insights
A structured educational program significantly improved blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. This multifaceted approach enhances patient care and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Poor blood pressure control remains a significant challenge in patient management.
- Multifaceted programs are needed to improve the quality of care for hypertensive patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, multifaceted educational program for hypertensive patients.
- To improve blood pressure control and reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
- To assess the impact of structured documentation and peer comparison on care quality.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre program involving structured educational sessions for patients and staff.
- Inclusion criteria: uncontrolled office blood pressure and elevated cardiovascular risk (New Zealand Risk Score >15%).
- Data collection included blood pressure, lipid panels, and cardiovascular risk assessment at baseline and 12-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Over 2000 patients were enrolled; 744 completed 1-year follow-up.
- Mean blood pressure decreased significantly from 156.1/88.9 mmHg to 139.2/82.1 mmHg (P < 0.001).
- Cardiovascular risk (NZRS) and BMI also showed significant improvements.
Conclusions:
- The structured educational program effectively improved intermediate outcomes in hypertensive patients.
- Significant reductions in blood pressure and individual cardiovascular risk profiles were achieved.
- Broad implementation of this program is recommended for hypertension management.
Objective:
Although hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, the level of blood pressure control remains poor. To amplify quality of care in hypertensive patients, a multifaceted program consisting of structured educational programs for both patients and staff, structured documentation and feedback reports with peer comparison, was implemented on a multicentre basis. Main targets were improvement of blood pressure control and reduction of cardiovascular risk. A provisional reimbursement was provided.
Methods:
Patients were eligible for inclusion in the program if office blood pressure was uncontrolled (>160/95 or >140/90 mmHg) in addition to elevated cardiovascular risk [>15% according to the New Zealand Risk Score (NZRS)]. Blood pressure and lipid panels were measured at entry in the program and after 12 months. Patients attended four educational units held by hypertension nurses and physicians. All data were collected in structured documentation sheets and benchmarking reports were provided every 6 months.
Results:
Two thousand and forty-one patients were enrolled in the program within 5 years and 3 months; 54% female, age 62.8 ± 11.1years, BMI 29.50 ± 7.88 kg/m (mean ± SD). To date, 744 patients have been seen at 1-year follow-up. Entry blood pressure was 156.1 ± 20.8/88.9 ± 11.1 mmHg. Total cholesterol showed mean levels of 207.0 ± 46.0 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein 122.3 ± 41.6 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein 57.2 ± 22.4 mg/dl and calculated cardiovascular risk level (NZRS) was 17.28 ± 8.29%. One year following the educational program, blood pressure was reduced to 139.2 ± 15.6 (P < 0.001)/82.1 ± 9.5 mmHg (P < 0.001). NZRS (14.1 ± 7.2%; P < 0.001) and BMI (29.26 ± 4.92 versus 29.06 ± 4.99) also improved significantly.
Conclusion:
This structured educational program showed its ability to improve intermediate outcomes in hypertensive patients. Better blood pressure control and significant reduction of the individual cardiovascular risk profile were achieved. A broad implementation of the program in the management of hypertension seems justified.
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