Pilot for a Community Pharmacy Service Model: Impact of a Pharmacist Monitored Patient Blood Pressure Readings

Pilot for a Community Pharmacy Service Model: Impact of a Pharmacist Monitored Patient Blood Pressure Readings

This study is designed to explore whether routine measurement of blood pressure by community pharmacists can improve patient adherence to blood pressure medications. The study will utilize an incentivized care approach, in which patients receive a $10 gift card for every time they come to the pharmacy for blood pressure management (up to 2 times/month). The investigators hypothesize that the simple process of coming in for a blood pressure measurement (without any other scripted interventions, counseling, or consultation) will be feasible and sufficient to improve adherence to medications. The investigators will also collect preliminary data to help estimate how these hypothetical improvements in adherence might result in improved blood pressure control, fewer office visits, and (ultimately) fewer adverse cardiovascular outcomes (i.e. heart attacks, strokes, etc).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Diagnosis of hypertension
• Current prescription for ≥2 antihypertensive medications for primary diagnosis of hypertension
• Prior use of ≥1 antihypertensive medication for ≥6 months at the same Kroger's Pharmacy (#523)
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• New diagnosis of hypertension within the prior 6 months
• Current pregnancy or lactation
• Limited English Proficiency
• Use of antihypertensive medications for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Patients with history of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure will be excluded, however, patients with diabetes will be eligible for participation.