Educational Intervention for Hypertension Management

An interventional study is designed and a structured educational session will be conducted regarding the management of Blood pressure for the general physicians of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad, Multan and Quetta. The purpose of designing this study is to observe the effect of hypertension educational intervention for general physicians to improve patient outcomes indirectly. Results of this study may provide a basis for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians.

Study Procedure Screening of General physicians as per inclusion criteria and recruitment of GPs by clinical research associate after obtaining informed consent form. GPs will be asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline Both group of GPs with the help of clinical research associate will recruit 5 patients from study site. After obtaining informed consent, Patient will be asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline or recruitment day and share pictures of 12-hour blood pressure measurement (from digital BP apparatus) with clinical research associate. Randomization of GPs will be than in to 2 Groups. After randomization, Group 1 GPs will receive (1 day) face to face education and Group 2 GPs will receive print version of education material. After GPs education intervention, patients will be invited for regular checkup at GPs clinic. Patient will be again asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire after 3 months and share pictures of 12-hour blood pressure measurement (from digital BP apparatus) with clinical research associate. (1st, 2nd & 3rd Month). GPs will be asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire again after 3 months (Post intervention)

GPs of the Interventional group will receive (1 day) face to face education with structured educational material on strategies of hypertension management by a senior cardiologist.

GPs of the Control group will receive print version of education material (Structured educational material) on strategies of structured hypertension management.

Key points of current hypertension guidelines. 10-step checklist how to obtain standardized upper arm blood pressure readings according to guidelines. template of a blood pressure documentation sheet for serial documentation of blood pressure values by patients. checklists to assist in the diagnosis of secondary hypertension. Patient information leaflet about hypertension.

Key points of current hypertension guidelines. 10-step checklist how to obtain standardized upper arm blood pressure readings according to guidelines. template of a blood pressure documentation sheet for serial documentation of blood pressure values by patients. checklists to assist in the diagnosis of secondary hypertension. Patient information leaflet about hypertension.

Pre & Post change in the blood pressure control rate. Defined as percentage of patients with an average 12-hour blood pressure <130/80 mmHg.

Inclusion Criteria: GPs who have at least three years of practice experience in the broad disciplines of primary care using the Numerical Pain Rating (NPR) scale over the past week ≥ 2 on a 0-10 numerical pain scale. Patients between 18-60 years. Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure according to Pakistan hypertension league guidelines Patients with or without angiographically proven coronary, peripheral or cerebral vascular disease. Patients must be able to give informed consent and be able to read and comprehend in the Urdu (National Language) Patients must have a digital BP apparatus at home. Patients must have a phone with camera and internet. Exclusion Criteria: GPs who had attended a planned Hypertension educational program during the last 6 months. Patients with a recognized psychiatric disorder as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

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