Physician-pharmacist comanagement of hypertension: a randomized, comparative trial

Pharmacotherapy. 2003 Feb;23(2):209-16. doi: 10.1592/phco.23.2.209.32096.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of an evidence-based, systematic approach to hypertension care involving comanagement of patients by primary care physicians and clinical pharmacists versus usual care in reducing blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods: Patients in a staff model medical group with uncontrolled hypertension were randomized to either a usual care (UC) or a physician-pharmacist comanagement (PPCM) group. All physicians in the study received both group and individual education and participated in the development of an evidence-based hypertension treatment algorithm. Physicians were then given the names of their patients whose medical records documented elevated blood pressures (defined as systolic > or = 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic > or = 90 mm Hg for patients aged < 65 yrs, and systolic > or = 160 mm Hg and/or diastolic > or = 90 mm Hg for those aged > or = 65 yrs). Patients randomized to the UC group were managed by primary care physicians alone. Those randomized to the PPCM group were comanaged by their primary care physician and a clinical pharmacist, who provided patient education, made treatment recommendations, and provided follow-up. Blood pressure measurements, antihypertensive drugs, and visit costs/patient were obtained from medical records.

Results: One hundred ninety-seven patients with uncontrolled hypertension participated in the study. Both PPCM and UC groups experienced significant reductions in blood pressure (systolic -22 and -11 mm Hg, respectively, p < 0.01; diastolic -7 and -8 mm Hg, respectively, p < 0.01). The reduction in systolic blood pressure was greater in the PPCM group after adjusting for differences in baseline blood pressure between the groups (p < 0.01). More patients achieved blood pressure control in the PPCM than in the UC group (60% vs 43%, p = 0.02). Average provider visit costs/patient were higher in the UC than the PPCM group ($195 vs $160, p = 0.02).

Conclusions: An evidence-based, systematic approach using physician-pharmacist comanagement for patients with uncontrolled hypertension resulted in improved blood pressure control and reduced average visit costs/patient.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Pressure Determination
  • California
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Health Services for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / economics
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Pharmacists*
  • Physicians*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents