Provider Knowledge of Hypertensive Urgency in an Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to 1) assess current providers’ knowledge on care provided during hypertensive urgency crisis, 2) introduce an evidence-based hypertensive urgency algorithm, and 3) evaluate perceived usefulness and intent to use of hypertensive urgency algorithm for future practice. Background. Hypertension is a common chronic condition that can lead to serious adverse events when it is not controlled. A hypertensive urgency crisis occurs when blood pressure is greater than 180 systolic and/or 110 diastolic without signs of acute organ injury. Referral to the emergency department has caused increased burden as these individuals can be safely managed within an outpatient setting. Methods. A pre- and post-intervention survey design was used to evaluate providers’ current knowledge and perceived usefulness of, and intent to use, a hypertensive urgency algorithm. A pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation (the intervention) will educate providers on hypertensive urgency and introduce the hypertensive urgency algorithm to primary care providers for future practice. Results. The results from the pre- and post-intervention survey were collected and compared from primary care providers (n=9). Prior to the intervention, 33% answered three or more knowledge questions correctly. Despite the low percentage of knowledge questions answered correctly, 88% of primary care providers felt confident in their ability to manage hypertensive urgency. After the intervention, 66% answered more than five of the knowledge questions correctly, and 100% of providers felt confident in their ability to manage hypertensive urgency.