Impact of a general practice nurse intervention to improve blood pressure control

Catherine Stephen*, Elizabeth Halcomb, Marijka Batterham, Susan McInnes, Nicholas Zwar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background and objectives:
Hypertension is a highly prevalent but often poorly controlled risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examined the effectiveness of a general practice nurse (GPN) intervention to reduce blood pressure in adults with hypertension who are at high risk of CVD.

Methods:
A cluster randomised control trial was performed across 10 general practices. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were evaluated at six and 12 months.

Results:
The adjusted mean difference between intervention and control groups at six months was 8.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI]: –2.92, 18.94 mmHg; P=0.146) for SBP and 0.18 mmHg (95% CI: –6.54, 4.91 mmHg; P=0.775) for DBP. The adjusted mean difference between groups at 12 months was 11.3 mmHg (95% CI: 1.18, 21.42 mmHg; P=0.030) for SBP and 7.1 mmHg (95% CI: –8.62, 22.90 mmHg; P=0.362) for DBP.

Discussion:
Clinically significant between-group differences in mean SBP at six and 12 months provide evidence for GPNs to play a greater role in managing hypertension.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)875-881
Number of pages7
JournalAustralian Journal of General Practice
Volume52
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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