A Team Model of Hypertension Care in African Americans

Researchers screened and enrolled 20-25 subjects in each study pharmacy. Intervention pharmacists and technicians attended a 7-hour TEAM training program on BP monitoring, JNC 7 guidelines, and specially designed tools for assessing and improving medication adherence, lifestyle, patient scheduling and retention, and collaboration with physicians. Intervention teams received specially designed tools, automatic BP monitors, and furniture for setting up and implementing a blood pressure clinic at their pharmacy. Staff from control pharmacies received printed information only and provided "usual care". Outcomes will be determined by blinded data collectors who will re-check patients' BPs and administer follow-up surveys after 6 and 12 months. Researchers also will survey pharmacy staff and review pharmacy records to determine changes in refill adherence and prescribing.

Inclusion criteria

is African American and 18 years old or older; has active prescription for BP drug; obtains all BP drugs at the study pharmacy; is able to read and fill out short questionnaires; is able to come to pharmacy for 6 monthly pharmacy visits if needed; has screening BP between 140/90 mm Hg and 210/115 mm Hg.

Exclusion criteria

history of organ transplant or kidney dialysis, symptoms of advanced congestive heart failure, memory impairment that interferes with daily functioning,terminal illness,pregnancy, alcohol or substance abuse problem,physician recommendation of exclusion for other condition that may require special care or limit participation in the study.