Clinical Pharmacy-Led Hypertension Management

Overview:

Legacy’s clinical pharmacy team recently launched a pilot program utilizing Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) to support longitudinal blood pressure (BP) management in primary care patients at Legacy Clinics. The program leverages Bluetooth-enabled BP devices and pharmacist-led interventions under collaborative practice agreements.

Why It Matters:

Beyond the known clinical impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, improved BP control directly supports our performance in value-based care with a significant impact on performance metrics. Expanding this program can help us meet quality targets while enhancing patient outcomes.

Pilot Structure:

• Patients are enrolled during routine visits and provided with a BP monitor if they do not have one of their own.
• Pharmacists monitor BP readings remotely, initiate or adjust antihypertensive therapy, and provide education and follow-up.
• The program is designed to complement physician care and reduce the burden of hypertension management in busy clinic workflows.

Early Results & Feedback:

• Clinical Impact: Several patients have achieved improved BP control within weeks of enrollment, with timely medication adjustments and enhanced adherence.
• Patient Engagement: Feedback has been positive, with patients appreciating the convenience and personalized follow-up.
• Operational Insight: The pilot has highlighted key barriers to scale, particularly around patient recruitment and device setup.

Next Steps:

• Ongoing Collaboration for Program Expansion: Providers are encouraged to refer patients to our clinical pharmacist team to optimize hypertension management. Ideal patients include, but are not limited to, those with white coat hypertension, resistant-hypertension, or adherence concerns.
• Data Sharing: We will continue to share outcomes and feedback as the program expands to ensure transparency and alignment with clinical goals.
• Clinic Engagement: We will continue to work with clinic leadership to identify staff who can assist with patient recruitment and device setup.