Hypertension care pathway written by pharmacist also wins award
Implementing the scheme: Sarah Tulip (left) and practice nurse Lynne Bryan |
A multidisciplinary approach to managing hypertension using a standard care pathway has been rewarded by the journal Guidelines in Practice. The awards recognise excellence in implementing national guidance.
The care pathway was devised by Sarah Tulip, pharmacist at Derwentshire
Primary Care Trust, and local GP, James Anderson. Its aim is to ensure
that care meets the standards set out in the British Hypertension Society
guidelines and the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease.
Ms Tulip explained that through pharmacists, GPs and nurses using the
pathway, care is delivered systematically to all hypertensive patients.
The pathway contains guidance about blood pressure management, assessment
of patients, advice and treatment, follow-up and treatment targets.
The pathway has been implemented and audited at two GP practices. A register
of patients with hypertension was drawn up and, from this, patients who
needed to be reviewed were identified. Patients consulted a pharmacist
at a hypertension clinic, a nurse or a GP.
Implementation of the pathway has resulted in an improvement in all areas
of care. “More patients have achieved target blood pressures, all
patients in whom it is appropriate are now receiving aspirin, a statin
or both, and all aspects of care are documented,” said Ms Tulip. “Optimal
blood pressure control is substantially better for the pharmacist-managed
patients, and patients are satisfied with the care they are receiving
in these
clinics.”
Winning the £3,000 award (sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers
Squibb) means that a new emphasis has been placed on the roll-out of
the service. Ms Tulip hopes that it will be implemented by all GP practices
in the PCT area. |
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