The
Utah Million Hearts Coalition recently recognized Intermountain Healthcare’s
Sunset Clinic and Cedar City Clinic for Excellence in Blood Pressure Control.
With only 46 clinics recognized statewide, this exclusive achievement
demonstrates continual dedication to proper blood pressure control for
patients.
“The
award recognizes the hard work and dedication these clinics made to meet the
highest standards of clinical blood pressure care,” said Kelly Robinson, Utah
Million Hearts Coalition spokesperson. “More Utah providers, like the Sunset
and Cedar City clinics, are taking blood pressure measurement and control to
the next level by using evidence- based strategies to help patients keep blood
pressure down - a strong sign that we’re making progress in preventing heart
attacks and strokes and prioritizing patient care.”
Nearly
1 in 3 American adults has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
Only half have it under control, putting them at greater risk of developing
heart disease or stroke - two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
To
achieve the award, Intermountain’s Sunset Clinic and Cedar City Clinic shared
control data with the Coalition and highlighted successful strategies and best
practices they adopted. These clinics have helped their adult patients control
their blood pressure by:
- Making
blood pressure measurement accuracy a priority
- Using
evidence-based guidelines and protocols for high blood pressure diagnosis
- Continually
training staff on correct measurement protocols
- Using
team-based care to improve patient engagement
- Implementing
the use of electronic health records that include patient reminders and
visit summaries
- Staying
engaged with patients by offering support and educational tools
Clinics that would like additional information about applying
for the award next year can contact Audrie Frehner, Health Educator at the
Southwest Utah Public Health Department, at 435-986-2567 or afrehner@swuhealth.org.
