Hypertension Reduction Program
May 5th, 2010
The Marathon FHT Hypertension Reduction Program was developed to provide preventative health care to the local population through early detection and effective management of hypertension. The program consists of the following components:
- Early detection and prevention of hypertension provided by Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) through:
- community blood pressure screening clinics
- in-clinic appointments for blood pressure screening and monitoring
- community and in-clinic hypertension prevention education (risk factors, heart healthy lifestyle etc.)
- physician assessment referrals as needed
- Physician assessment and direction
- determine whether a diagnosis of hypertension is appropriate based on blood pressure readings from RPNs and/or physician appointments, diagnostic test results and physical assessment
- for patients with a new diagnosis of hypertension, complete a form providing the Registered Nurses with specific treatment plan directions
- Hypertension Management provided by Registered Nurses (RN) under physician direction:
- periodic blood pressure checks
- medication adjustments to reach the target blood pressure
- referral to RPNs for blood pressure monitoring
- education on lifestyle changes
- referrals to other health care providers as needed
- Physican follow-up:
- review RN management and screen for possible problems
- adjust treatment plan as needed
- follow and provide treatment to patients for whom RN Management is not appropriate
- Dietitian referral (for patients who are unsure about diet, or are interested in using diet to improve hypertension):
- assess diet and identify problems
- provide education and recommendations about diet
- Social Work referral (for patients that seem to have unhealthy stress or anxiety):
- address unhealthy stressors
- coach relaxation techniques
- provide psychosocial interventions as needed
- assist with lifestyle changes
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