Improving recognition of hypertension in pediatric primary care

Problem: Pediatric hypertension is a growing health concern that often goes unrecognized due to the complexity of diagnosis. Blood pressure reference ranges vary according to a child's age, sex, and height, and diagnosis requires multiple measurements from multiple encounters. These factors, combined with the challenges of implementing appropriate blood pressure measurement techniques in children, pose a significant barrier to timely recognition and management of pediatric hypertension. Purpose: The purpose of the DNP project is to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive blood pressure screening initiative on the recognition of elevated blood pressure among 3- to 12-year-olds within a pediatric primary care clinic. Methods: A standardized protocol for blood pressure screening was implemented among patients aged 3 to 12 years presenting for a well-child exam. Staff training, education, and adherence reporting were also employed throughout the intervention period. Results 390 participants were included in the project over a 3-month intervention period. The incidence of elevated blood pressure was 3.3%. 15% of encounters were adherent to the intervention protocol, and there was evidence of blood pressure recheck or provider recognition in 31% of encounters. Conclusions The blood pressure screening protocol had minimal impact on improving the recognition of elevated blood pressure. Several limitations likely had a significant impact on project outcomes. Keywords: hypertension, elevated blood pressure, pediatrics, primary care, quality improvement, screening

Authors dc:creator

• Brown, Kayeleigh
• Rose, Sara (Sara Lynn)

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schrader, Kara

• Children--Diseases--Diagnosis
• Hypertension--Diagnosis
• Hypertension in children
• Pediatric nursing
• Primary care (Medicine)

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

dnp:66
oclc:1569639788
local:R_1hYZjU8dgJ4rCVP

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:d.lib.msu.edu:dnp_66