Brief Risk Communication for Emergency Department Patients With Sustained Asymptomatic Hypertension.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Sustained asymptomatic hypertension in emergency department (ED) patients predicts chronic uncontrolled hypertension.
• Effective risk communication strategies are needed for this population.
• Assessing novel interventions in the ED setting is crucial for early hypertension management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using a storyboard video and real-time cardiovascular imaging.
• To evaluate the impact of this intervention on blood pressure control.
• To determine the effect on primary care engagement in patients with sustained asymptomatic hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational exploratory study of 20 adult ED patients with sustained hypertension.
• Intervention included a 60-second storyboard video and real-time bedside echocardiogram with nurse-led risk communication.
• Outcomes assessed included blood pressure control, primary care engagement, and intervention acceptability at baseline and 24 weeks post-discharge.

Main Results:

• All patients (95% from underrepresented groups) showed subclinical heart disease on echocardiograms.
• Blood pressure improved significantly from baseline (166/97 mm Hg) to 24 weeks (137/78 mm Hg).
• Seventy percent of patients engaged with primary care, and intervention acceptability was high (94.8%).

Conclusions:

• A brief video combined with real-time cardiovascular imaging is feasible and acceptable for risk communication in ED patients.
• This approach shows promise for improving blood pressure control and primary care linkage.
• Further research with larger studies is warranted to build upon these findings.