Blood pressure monitoring of hypertensive patients in primary care: barriers and facilitators to ambulatory, office, and home blood pressure monitoring in the context of the Triple Aim

Author

Elizabeth Andrews, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service

Date of Award

4-13-2014

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

Keywords

Blood Pressure Monitoring, Hypertension, Muskie School of Public Service

Abstract

Hypertension represents a population health issue in that many patients are misdiagnosed and over-or-under medicated. Research has indicated that overestimating the true blood pressure by 5 mmHg leads to over 30 million Americans being inappropriately treated with blood pressure medication (Handler, 2009). Blood pressure measurements taken in the office are often inaccurate due to patient behaviors, improper technique, and observer errors, yet providers are still using this method to diagnose hypertension. Therefore, considering other methods of blood pressure for the diagnosis and management of hypertension is important to the healthcare quality for millions of Americans.

The main objective of this capstone research is to identify, categorize, and assess the barriers and facilitators to ambulatory, office, and home blood pressure monitoring, using both an evidence-based review of literature and the qualitative perspective of key informants from primary care practices around Maine.

Recommended Citation

Andrews, Elizabeth, "Blood pressure monitoring of hypertensive patients in primary care: barriers and facilitators to ambulatory, office, and home blood pressure monitoring in the context of the Triple Aim" (2014). Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations. 68.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/muskie_capstones/68