Browsing by Subject "blood pressure"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Alcohol and high blood pressure
    (2009-05-06) Abanonu, Chinemerem
    Research shows that reduction in alcohol intake among heavy drinkers significantly reduces systolic and diastolic BP. This effect was seen in hypertensive and nonhypertensive subjects and also in those already taking antihypertensive medications. The findings suggest that alcohol reduction should be recommended as an important component of lifestyle modification for the prevention and treatment of hypertension among heavy drinkers.
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    Evaluation of an Initiative for Fostering Provider-Pharmacist Team Management of Hypertension in Communities
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2014) Doucette, William R.; Lickteig, Cailin; Veach, Stevie; Carter, Barry; Levy, Barcey
    Objectives: 1) Conduct team building activities for provider-community pharmacist teams in small communities and 2) Determine the impact of the team approach on practitioner-reported consequences and 3) Identify obstacles to the team approach and ways to overcome them. Methods: Eleven provider-pharmacist teams were recruited in rural/micropolitan communities in Iowa. The teams participated in team building sessions facilitated by the project leaders, to discuss the team approach. Decisions included patient identification, practitioner roles, and communications. Most pharmacists conducted blood pressure (BP) checks in the pharmacy and assessed the anti-hypertensive medications. If the BP was not at goal, the pharmacist worked with the patient and provider to make improvements. Teams followed their strategies for 3-5 months. Data were collected from pharmacy logs and on-line surveys of team members before and after the team period. Results: Using a multi-case approach, 4 cases were classified as Worked-Well, 5 as Limited-Success, and 2 as No-Team-Care. The Worked-Well teams provided an average of 26.5 BP visits per team, while the Limited-Success teams averaged 6.8 BP visits. The Worked-Well teams established and used a system to support the team approach. The Limited-Success teams either didn’t fully establish their team system, or used it sparingly. The No-Team-Care cases did not provide any team care. Conclusions: Factors supporting success were: positive provider-pharmacist relations, established team system, commitment to team care, and patient willingness to participate. While this program had some success, potential improvements were identified: more follow-up after the team building session, additional patient materials, and guidance for practice changes.
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    Improving Blood Pressure Control in Over-the-Road Truck Drivers: Is Provision of Medication Therapy Management by Pharmacists Feasible?
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2015) Hager, Keri D.; Aronson, Benjamin D.; Smith, Reid C.; Parra, David; Swanoski, Michael
    Purpose This pilot sought to determine feasibility of studying the impact on hypertension in over-the-road truck drivers who met with pharmacists for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) compared to those who did not. Design/methodology/approach Drivers were randomly assigned to control or treatment (MTM) group for 52 weeks. Drivers assigned to the MTM arm could receive services in person or via secure videoconferencing technology located in a private space at the trucking company. All subjects were provided education and received a blood pressure monitor and log for recording daily blood pressures. Findings Eleven drivers enrolled and seven drivers completed the study. The primary barriers to participation included unpredictable driver schedules and lack of access to MTM provider while on the road. Research limitations/implications This pilot study was limited by small sample size. Pharmacists were not available to meet with truckers “on demand.” Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test alternate opportunities to increase enrollment of drivers in studies and access to MTM services while drivers are on the road. Practical implications Hypertension is the second highest health-related cost burden, and over-the-road truck drivers have unique challenges that can make it difficult to attain blood pressure control. Pharmacist-provided MTM has been shown to improve blood pressure control. Improving access to MTM, perhaps using a national network of pharmacists or technology from the road, may decrease morbidity and mortality in drivers. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study how to improve driver access to care to reduce cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality.