Abstract P481: Key Findings From Multilevel Stakeholder Input On Awareness, Gaps And Needs Related To The Burden Of Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) continues to pose a considerable challenge to the health system. Suboptimal rates of screening, awareness, treatment and control, reported at national and local levels, reflect an urgent need for a coordinated and collective approach to action. Methods: On May 20, 2017 (World HTN day), we convened a one-day HTN summit in response to an expressed need from stakeholders across the health system (healthcare, public health, community organizations) in the Bi-State Greater Kansas City Area. To help formulate an action plan, we administered a pre-and post-survey to document stakeholder engagement in HTN programs, their awareness of existing key initiates and resources, and perceived needs to address HTN. Results: Overall, 24 individuals from 16 organizations registered for the event and completed a pre-event survey - healthcare system (46%), Public health or Government organizations (17%), Community organizations (29%), Academic entity (8.3). Thirteen (54%) attendees completed the post-event survey - 29% delivered healthcare services, 57% conducted community activities, 21% were patients or caregivers. Only 32% of the attendees reported a current program on blood pressure. Less than 10% of participants reported satisfaction with the availability of regularly scheduled learning opportunities or tools for healthcare professionals or patients to improve HTN. Only 21% of participants reported monitoring of performance on metrics related to high blood pressure programs. All attendees expressed interest in continued meetings, patient engagement resources, and an in-depth exploration of the underlying factors contributing to the burden of uncontrolled HTN. Findings also reflected a significant need to improve the awareness of resources like the Missouri Million Hearts initiative and Target BP™. Conclusion: In spite of temporal advancements in cardiovascular medicine, there exist significant gaps in the awareness and use of resources and tools to support HTN management among stakeholders in the health system. Planned strategies include a dedicated working group to proactively identify and support coordinated, multi-stakeholder efforts to reduce the HTN burden and improve cardiovascular health in our communities.