Effectiveness of a Seamless Hypertensive Care Model: A 5-Year Experience from a University Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Kotruchin P, MD, PhD1, Mitsungnern T, MD1, Imoun S, MNS2
Affiliation : 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Hypertension (HT) is a global health problem since it is a cause of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Despite
various therapeutic options available, many patients fail to achieve target blood pressure (BP). A major concern is the discontinuity
of care whether it is caused by healthcare systems or patient factors. Quality and seamless care with the intra-institute partnership
might lead to a higher rate of BP controlled.
Objective : To assess the effectiveness of a “Seamless Hypertensive Care model” in terms of BP controlled rate.
Materials and Methods : “Seamless Hypertensive Care model” was established in 2013. The hospital’s HT workflow was developed
by a multidisciplinary team and has been adopted by every department. Once a patient is found to have BP >180/110 mmHg, he or
she will be sent to the emergency department (ED). After BP was lowered by 20%, they will be discharged home and scheduled
for a follow-up in the 1st and 12th weeks. The effectiveness of the care model in terms of BP controlled rate from January 2016 to
December 2019 was analyzed.
Results : Total of 1,277 HT patients were sent to the ED. There were 243, 269, 312, and 261 patients who came for a 12th week
follow-up in the 4 consecutive years (2016 to 2019). BP control rate (<140/90 mmHg) increased year by year (56.6%, 62.7%, 62.7,
and 67.7%, respectively). The complications including strokes and kidney diseases occurred in 0.74% of the total follow-up patients
(8/1,085).
Conclusion : The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of a “Seamless Hypertensive Care model” for increasing the BP
controlled rate.
Keywords : Hypertensive crisis, Hypertension, Thai, Care process
