Effects of a community pharmacy cardiovascular practice transformation (CPT) program on blood pressure

To implement the Cardiovascular Practice Transformation (CPT) program and evaluate its impact on blood pressure, and to assess the feasibility of implementing the CPT program by identifying obstacles and facilitators.

Twenty-three Iowa pharmacies participated in the program, each monitoring approximately 10 hypertensive patients for 6 months. Pharmacists assessed blood pressure, medication adherence and addressed medication-related problems during patient visits. Pharmacists used a JotForm application to report patient demographics and care provided during visits. Also, blood pressure readings were collected or measured and reported. After six months, an online Qualtrics survey was sent to participating pharmacies to assess obstacles and facilitators to CPT program implementation. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the patient sample and paired t-tests compared baseline and final blood pressure readings. Frequencies were calculated for obstacles and facilitators.

A total of 232 patients participated, with 138 patients having both baseline and follow-up blood pressure data. Systolic blood pressure decreased from 144.2 to 133.6 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 84.4 to 78.3 mmHg, with p < 0.01 for both. Peer coaching and CPT resources were the main facilitators, while obstacles included documentation and staff time constraints.

Overall, the CPT program successfully supported pharmacies in improving blood pressure management.