Abstract 12684: Development and Implementation of Blood Pressure Screening and Referral Guidelines for Community Pharmacists

Abstract

Introduction: Involvement of community pharmacists in the detection and control of hypertension improves patient care. However, current guidelines do not provide recommendations on collaboration between pharmacists and physicians, especially when and how to refer patients with undetected or uncontrolled hypertension to a physician. Methods: The German Society of Cardiology (DGK) and the ABDA - Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists developed and tested a structured referral guideline for community pharmacists. The project included a guideline-directed blood pressure measurement and recommendations when patients should be referred to their physician. A “red flag” referral within 4 weeks was recommended when SBP was >140 mmHg or DBP >90 mmHg (for subjects <80 years), and >160 mmHg or >90 mmHg (≥80 years) in undetected individuals, or >130 mmHg or >80 mmHg (<65 years) and >140 mmHg or >80 mmHg (≥65 years) in treated patients (Figure). Results: Blood pressure was measured in 187 individuals (86 with known hypertension) from 17 community pharmacies. In patients with hypertension, poorly controlled blood pressure was detected in 55% (n=47) and were referred. A total of 16/101 subjects without a history of hypertension were referred to their physician because of uncontrolled blood pressure. Conclusion: Structured blood pressure testing in community pharmacies identified a significant number of subjects with undetected/undiagnosed hypertension and patients with poorly controlled blood pressure. Community pharmacists could play a significant role in collaboration with physicians to improve the management of hypertension.