The Community Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, nonfederal, uncompensated body of public health and prevention experts appointed by the CDC, recently recommended team-based care for improving blood pressure control.
A review of 77 studies of team-based care showed that patients' control of blood pressure improved when their care was provided by a team of health professionals — a primary care provider supported by a pharmacist, nurse, dietitian, social worker or community health worker — rather than by a single physician.
In addition, the review showed the greatest improvement in blood pressure was seen when the team members could change medications independently or with the approval of the primary care provider. Improvements were not as great when team members could only oversee taking of medication.
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, director of the CDC, said this nationwide adoption of this model could lead to improved blood pressure control and reduce patients' risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.
A review of 77 studies of team-based care showed that patients' control of blood pressure improved when their care was provided by a team of health professionals — a primary care provider supported by a pharmacist, nurse, dietitian, social worker or community health worker — rather than by a single physician.
In addition, the review showed the greatest improvement in blood pressure was seen when the team members could change medications independently or with the approval of the primary care provider. Improvements were not as great when team members could only oversee taking of medication.
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, director of the CDC, said this nationwide adoption of this model could lead to improved blood pressure control and reduce patients' risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.
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