A Qualitative Evaluation of Blood Pressure Screening Procedures in the Illinois WISEWOMEN Program

Abstract

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and various other conditions. Approximately 70 million Americans are hypertensive. Among women age 18 and over, 31.7% have high blood pressure (BP) and only about 60% of those women have it under control. The purpose of this evaluation was to understand blood pressure screening procedures among Illinois WISEWOMAN Program (IWP) providers. Procedures at primary care providers (PCP) compared to obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYN) were of interest. A qualitative approach was used featuring interviews with allied health staff members who conduct blood pressure screenings. The focus of the interviews included the use and understanding of The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines, BP screening procedures, and perceptions of the IWP. Twenty allied health professionals who conduct blood pressure screenings with IWP participants were interviewed. Transcripts of these interviews were made and a detailed analysis was conducted.