In a major study recently reported in the medical literature, the care provided women with high blood pressure was found to fall short of recommended guidelines. Researchers developed a quality measurement system to use in assessing the care received by women in a West Coast health plan. All of the women had blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or a documented diagnosis of hypertension.
The researchers found that doctors failed to perform an adequate history, physical examination, or laboratory tests on most of the women. Nor did they recommend or adjust treatment or lifestyle changes in two-thirds of the women with persistent hypertension over 160/90 mmHg.
The average patient in this study received 64% of the recommended care. Noting that poor performance in essential care is associated with poor blood pressure control, the authors of the study advised patients to be more proactive in managing their high blood pressure.
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Source: Asch SM, Kerr EA, Lapuerta P, et al. A new approach for measuring quality of care for women with hypertension. Archives of Internal Medicine, May 28, 2001;161:1329-1335. (Abs.)
