High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Although cardiovascular disease death rates have increased across all demographic groups, African Americans and other minority groups continue to be disproportionately affected. As we step into Heart Month, we're excited to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to share our comprehensive Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP) resources that can be used by providers to empower patients to take control of their heart health. From a detailed implementation toolkit to an insightful article and engaging videos, we've curated resources to support your health center's commitment to hypertension control.
Tools You Can Use:
1. SMBP Implementation Toolkit Our SMBP Implementation Toolkit is crafted with health centers in mind. This comprehensive guide offers practical steps, printable materials, and evidence-based recommendations for seamlessly integrating SMBP into your workflow. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your existing SMBP implementation, this toolkit can help successfully integrate SMBP into your patients' blood pressure control care plan.
2. Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Community Health Center Clinicians Explore our latest article on SMBP and its impact on patient engagement and access to hypertension care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article serves as a valuable resource to deepen your understanding of SMBP and the need for policy changes to support value-based care models that include SMBP and telehealth.
3. SMBP Videos: Making SMBP Work for Your Patients: Tips for Community Health Centers How are health centers successfully incorporating SMBP into their practices with patients who need and want to manage their blood pressure control? In this new video series, learn how Kyle Faye, DNP, CRNP and his patients from The Family Practice & Counseling Network in Pennsylvania have successfully integrated SMBP into the health center’s practice. Both videos help clinicians think through solutions, best practices, and talking points for discussion about SMBP with patients.
This Heart Month let's amplify our collective efforts in promoting cardiovascular health. By leveraging these SMBP resources, your health center can play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to monitor and manage their blood pressure effectively.