Million Hearts Michigan State Learning Collaborative Focus on Hypertension Identification, Control, and Improvement

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the US. The utilization of preventative care for HTN is challenging for high risk populations where health disparities exist. A collaborative approach to address reduced access is a promising option. Through our partnership with the ASTHO Million Hearts® State Learning Collaborative, we engaged local health agencies in HTN management and implemented systems that encouraged a multifaceted approach to BP control. 

Methods: The 9-month project focused on patients in Muskegon County, Michigan, which has a higher poverty rate compared to the state. We engaged in on-site visits, monthly updates with the Core Planning Team, utilized census data to map the sample population, and created data sharing agreements. We established quality improvement processes using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to improve identification of undiagnosed patients, improve treatment and follow-up of diagnosed patients, and to increase reporting of NQF 0018 (measurement of patients 18-85 years of age with a diagnosis of HTN and whose BP was controlled).

Results: The project is in the implementation phase with preliminary data being collected. Michigan Million Hearts efforts continue to focus on increasing and tracking HTN control.

Conclusions: This collaborative method consisting of state and local partners may be a useful model for improving BP screening, diagnoses, and treatment among disparate populations. This method of providing necessary components for successful local health department structure, partnerships, and state-level policy support may serve as a promising practice for future HTN control initiatives.