Heart on hypertension: Improving hypertension control in the FQHC setting through a group visit program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to health disparities, complicating hypertension control in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
• Existing hypertension control strategies often fall short due to SDOH challenges.
• This study investigated a novel group visit program within an FQHC setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Heart on Hypertension Group Visit Program on hypertension control rates.
• To assess the effectiveness of group visits in an FQHC population.
• To determine if the program could overcome SDOH-related barriers to hypertension management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of blood pressure data from patients in the Heart on Hypertension Group Visit Program.
• Data collected at program completion and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-program.
• Inclusion of patients from the first 4 program cohorts.

Main Results:

• Seventeen out of twenty-two participants achieved their hypertension goals.
• A statistically significant mean reduction in blood pressure was observed (p < 0.001).
• Blood pressure improvements were sustained for up to 12 months post-program, with 83% of patients maintaining control at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions:

• The Heart on Hypertension program demonstrated success in improving hypertension control within an FQHC.
• Group visits are a viable strategy for enhancing hypertension management in underserved populations.
• The program effectively addressed challenges posed by social determinants of health.