Modernisation Initiative unveils new Hypertension Toolkit for primary care

The Modernisation Initiative unveiled a major resource for GP practices in Lambeth and Southwark when it launched its Hypertension Toolkit in April 2006.

The toolkit, called ‘Reduce the Pressure’, explains the learning from a pilot conducted by the Initiative with five GP practices in Lambeth and Southwark to decrease the number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major public health concern, as its effective identification and treatment can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular and other long term conditions.

The toolkit has been compiled to support practices in meeting a target of 90% of diagnosed patients having a blood pressure of less than 150/90. It provides practical step-by-step guidelines on addressing a GP practice’s organisational systems and clinical practice and also gives a list of follow up actions that can be taken. The kit has been developed as part of the Modernisation Initiative’s wider prevention work within stroke services and kidney disease, which is helping to highlight and share best practice where possible.

The toolkit includes the outcomes of the pilots, collating local case studies and current information from many sources including British Hypertensive Society and the National Institute Clinical Excellence. It also lists useful websites and includes patient information packs. The toolkit is flexible, renewable and can be adapted to the needs of the local GP practice.

For more information contact Tony Afuwape on 020 7188 7455.

The Modernisation Initiative is a three year project working across the healthcare sector in Lambeth and Southwark. In partnership with local modernisation change agents, including NHS staff and patients, community and patient groups and independent healthcare organisations, the project works to identify and deliver change in patient centred care. The Modernisation Initiative is funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.