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Optimizing Hypertension Management in a Primary Care Setting
Smith, Rachel Leighton, Erin
Smith, Rachel
Leighton, Erin
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Abstract
Hypertension affects nearly one-third of U.S. adults and remains poorly controlled despite established guidelines. In a primary care clinic in Northern Vermont, 65% of patients met recommended blood pressure (BP) control and follow-up measures, underscoring the need for quality improvement to better align care with local and national benchmarks. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to improve hypertension management through the implementation of an evidence-based protocol focused on standardized BP measurements, structured documentation, and follow-up scheduling, with a goal of achieving 80% protocol utilization. The secondary aim was to increase the percentage of patients achieving BP control by 5%. Clinic staff received role-specific training to support consistent protocol use. Data were collected at baseline and at 4-week intervals over a 10-week implementation period using electronic health record (EHR) reports and manual chart reviews. Primary outcomes included the percentages of protocol utilization, hypertension-related documentation completeness, and patients with BP control (BP< 140/90 mmHg). Descriptive statistical analyses assessed changes over time. Standardized BP measurement utilization increased by 78.6%, and structured documentation improved across note components by 20-40% from baseline. Follow-up protocol remained at 0%, reflecting workflow and scheduling barriers identified during implementation. Average BP control improved modestly from 65% to 67%, demonstrating early progress toward improved clinical outcomes. Overall, implementation of a structured, evidence-based protocol improved care consistency and documentation practices, with modest gains in BP control. Continued staff education, enhanced EHR integration, and broader stakeholder engagement are necessary to support sustainability, scalability, and ongoing quality improvement. Keywords: hypertension, standardized blood pressure measurement, hypertension protocol, hypertension management, blood pressure control.
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2026-01-01
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Final Poster_ Optimizing Hypertension in Primary Care.pptx.pdf
Adobe PDF, 428.8 KB
- Embargoed until 2027-04-20
Optimizing Hypertension Management in a Primary Care Setting..pdf
Adobe PDF, 2.44 MB
- Embargoed until 2027-04-20