Improving Management of Uncontrolled Hypertension Through Intentional Interprofessional Experiential Education

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-30-2025

Publication Title

Michigan Medical Education and Health Bulletin

Abstract

Introduction: Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) causes more cardiac deaths than any other cardiovascular modifiable risk factor. The Corewell Health Internal Medicine Clinic is an interprofessional teaching clinic with an embedded ambulatory care pharmacist providing chronic disease state management. In 2022, 58% of a sample of 334 patients at the clinic had uncontrolled HTN, defined as BP >130/80. Our objective is to improve the quality of HTN management at the Corewell Health Internal Medicine Clinic through intentional interprofessional experiential education (IIEE). Methods: This is a retrospective observational study that included patients ≥18 years old with two most recent consecutive BP readings of ≥130/80 mmHg. The interprofessional team was educated on the interprofessional (IP) model. The model involves conducting an initial IP in-person visit, a pharmacy-led telehealth visit within 4 weeks, and a second IP visit within 4-8 weeks. Primary outcomes are change in mean BP and change in proportion of patients with controlled BP from baseline to time of data analysis, and results from surveys disseminated to patients and trainees to assess benefit from IIEE. BP outcomes will be statistically analyzed using a paired t-test and chi-squared test. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the survey data. Results: Thus far, 20 patients completed at least one IIEE visit. Preliminary data demonstrated that implementation of IIEE resulted in a reduction in average SBP by 8.2 mmHg and DBP by 4.1 mmHg in those that have at least two documented BP values (n=9). The proportion of patients with controlled BP increased from 11.1% at baseline to 22.2% by their second office visit. Surveys demonstrated positive patient and trainee satisfaction with the interprofessional process. Conclusions: Uncontrolled hypertension is a major driver of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In our clinic, over half of patients had uncontrolled BP, highlighting the need for improved management strategies. Implementation of the intentional interprofessional experiential education (IIEE) model led to a meaningful reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP and an increase in the proportion of patients achieving control. The combination of pharmacy-led telehealth and interprofessional visits likely improved medication management, adherence, and patient engagement. Patient and trainee surveys also indicated high satisfaction with the interprofessional approach. While limited by small sample size and observational design, these early results suggest that IIEE can improve clinical outcomes and enhance the educational experience. Continued study is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term sustainability.

Volume

3

Issue

2 Suppl

First Page

A130

Comments

10th Annual Michigan Summit on Quality Improvement, Patient Safety & High Value Care, May 22, 2025, Troy, MI

Last Page

A130

DOI

10.69735/001c.141329

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