Blood Pressure Control during Hospitalization at the Department of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension control has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. However, it is unclear whether it is worthwhile to control blood pressure (BP) in the inpatient setting. The aim of the study was to determine physicians' attitude towards the management and control of hypertension during hospitalization at internal medicine departments. Methods:Physicians working in general medical wards were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their views of various aspects of hypertension control and management during hospitalization in general medical wards. Results:One hundred twenty-seven physicians responded, 58 (46%) of them estimated that 50% of their inpatients have a diagnosis of hypertension. The majority of the respondents (71, 56%) believe that high BP should not be balanced during hospitalizations. According to the physicians report most of the BP measurements were done by nurses (81%) or by non-certified staff (17%). In most of the cases, the arm where BP was measured was not recorded (81%), and measurements in both supine and standing positions were not accomplished (in <10% of the cases according to 50% of respondents). In most of the departments (70%) there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. Two thirds of the physicians do not recommend antihypertensive combination medications. Conclusions:Many patients who are hospitalized at internal medicine departments have hypertension, but there is a lack of uniformity with regard to these patients' BP measurements and treatment. The approach to BP management in internal medicine departments should be elucidated.The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of physicians at the internal medicine departments throughout Israel towards the management and control of hypertension during hospitalization.

Organization factors influencing nurse ability to prevent and detect adverse drug events in public hospitals using a patient safety model

“…The routine measuring of BP in the hospitals was done by nurses twice a day (34.8%). It is important to measure BP for most patients, particularly those with hypertension ( Elis, 2015 ). Measuring BP for non-hypertensive patients who are admitted to hospitals is also important because BP level may increase due to hospital admission stress ( Cappelleri et al, 2017 ).…”