 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Maggie A. Robertson, BA and Pearlie Ruiz, MPHc. Health Education Department, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland Medical Center, 280 West MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94611
High blood pressure is the leading preventable cause of death among African-Americans, with a death rate that is over 350% higher than their white peers. Patients need support in making the lifestyle changes that will help them better manage their hypertension. In Oakland, where 36% of its residents are African-American, the Kaiser Permanente Health Education Department has partnered with physicians to develop an effective, multi-level approach to increase self-care among its hypertensive patients. This approach includes a physician referral to a patient library, where members receive individualized instruction from non-clinical staff on monitoring their own blood pressure and on maintaining a blood pressure log. They also may purchase blood pressure monitors at discounted prices. Members are encouraged to bring their logs to their provider appointments, allowing the clinician to monitor changing patterns in their blood pressure levels. Since 2000, over 2600 members have received personalized blood pressure instruction through this program, giving them greater control over their own hypertension. The blood pressure monitor training program could be replicated in a number of settings with a high percentage of hypertensive African-American patients, by training health workers to provide the skills training to promote lifestyle changes.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Health, Hypertension
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employer