Blood Pressure Screenings Through Community Nursing Health Fairs: Motivating Individuals to Seek Health Care Follow-Up

作者:Lucky Daniel*; Turner Barbara; Hall Melissa; Lefaver Scott; de Werk Art
来源:Journal of Community Health Nursing, 2011, 28(3): 119-129.
DOI:10.1080/07370016.2011.588589

摘要

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of blood pressure [BP] screenings through community-based health fairs. Effectiveness was measured by those with high BP readings who either made an appointment with or actually followed up with their primary care provider [PCP] in person following post-screening referral. Data sources: Anonymized data were provided for 958 individuals who obtained BP screening through a three-day health fair provided by the Ceres Police Department Nurse Program. Conclusions: Of 958 screened, 170 (17.8%) were identified with high BP readings and provided with PCP referral. Data were analyzed on 124 individuals with high BP recordings. Of the 124 PCP referrals, 116 (93%) either made an appointment with or followed up in person with their PCP following BP screening. Of the 98 who visited with their PCP, 29 (30%) were either placed on BP medication, had their current BP medication dose increased, or were changed to another BP medication by their PCP. Implications for Practice: Hypertension remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Nurse-operated health fairs, crafted to identify those with high BP readings, are promising as a simple and effective means in motivating individuals to seek follow-up care.

  • 出版日期2011