Utilization Of Joint National Committee 8 (JNC 8) Guidelines In The Evaluation And Treatment Of High Blood Pressure By Health Care Providers In A Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Many hypertensive patient subgroups, including African Americans, experience disparities in care. Evidence-based practice has sought to identify these disparities, increase provider awareness of inequalities, and improve overall care. This quality improvement (QI) project asks if an HTN educational session will enhance adherence to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC) 8 guidelines by providers treating hypertensive patients, including African-American patients. This QI project measures and evaluates provider adherence to the JNC 8 Hypertension Algorithm, which promotes the management, self-care, and improved outcomes for hypertensive patients. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care was used as the theoretical framework to guide the project formulation. The data collection tool used assisted in evaluating that provider adherence did improve with the use of an educational session of the JNC 8 algorithm.