Abstract 18935: A Prospective Evaluation of a Community-Based Outreach Initiative for Black Women With Severe, Uncontrolled Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: Despite American Heart Association evidence-based guidelines for care, inequities in prevalence and management of HTN disproportionately impact minority populations. Though studies have evaluated strategies to improve management of HTN and self-measurement of blood pressure (SMBP), existing strategies have not included a patient-partner who is a peer in literacy level, socio-economic status, and the lived experience of hypertension. Hypothesis: This pilot study was designed to evaluate a community-based intervention using patient-selected partners to improve blood pressure at 12 months. Secondary aims were to improve engagement in care, BP cuff distribution and use, and patient-centered goal setting for Life’s Essential Eight. Methods: We used a prospective, pre-post cohort design to evaluate the peer-partnership intervention. The team-based intervention included:1)Distribution of blood pressure cuffs and provision of skill-based training for BP self-monitoring to women at a federally qualified health center (FQHC).2) Implementation of coaching and feedback with patients on SMART goal setting for Life’s Essential Eight, to improve goal concordance and goal achievement. Results: Participants included Black women (n=335), average age 56 (SD 9.6). Preliminary results on key process measures indicate early signs of adoption: patient engagement in calls completed (n=426), cuffs distributed (n=186), SMART goals set (187, 56%), and partnerships established with family or community sites (n=91, 27%). Blood pressure was significantly reduced overall from baseline to 12 months (pre-systolic mean 172.05 (SD 13.3) mmHg versus post-systolic mean 140.3 (SD 20.9) mmHg; p<.0001) Focus groups evaluating patient perceptions of the added value of peer-partnership are ongoing. Conclusions: Community-based partnerships may improve SMBP skills, goal setting, and communication among patients in minority and low socioeconomic groups.