This study will assess the impact of a hypertension management certification program for community pharmacists on the blood pressure control of patients managed by the pharmacists enrolled. The investigators will compare the systolic blood pressure of patients identified to have hypertension in the community that are followed by pharmacists who have undergone the certification course, and compare their blood pressure outcomes to subjects managed by pharmacists who have not yet received the training.
Hypertension Canada proposes the first "Hypertension Canada Professional Certification Program"(HC-PCP), specifically designed for Alberta pharmacists, to provide care and support to those at risk for or living with hypertension. Through this program, the investigators hope to help with prevention of the costly and chronic conditions to which hypertension often leads, like kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease. The HC-PCP aims to provide training to pharmacists in the screening, prevention, and management of hypertension. It has been identified that the development and implementation of this certification program provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of such a program on blood pressure reduction. The investigators are aiming to assess the impact of pharmacist management on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. The development of the HC-PCP and the evaluation of its impact will occur in 2 phases. Phase 1 involves the development and implementation of the educational portion of the certification program. Phase 2 involves conducting a 1 year long study to assess the impact of the HC-PCP on blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. This will be launched in pharmacies in Alberta.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
890
The HC-PCP is a certification program which aims to provide training to generalist primary care providers in the screening, prevention, and management of hypertension.The competencies assessed in the program have been validated for their importance through a national survey of hypertension experts and primary care providers.
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The difference in change in systolic blood pressure between Intervention and Control patients.
To detect a 7 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or greater difference in systolic blood pressure.
Time frame: From baseline to 3 month follow-up, and up to one year
Consultant Satisfaction Questionnaire
patient satisfaction
Time frame: 6 months following follow up
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