New (and Better) Workflow Improves Blood Pressure Control

The Largo Medical facility had a big problem: 11,400 members had uncontrolled blood pressure—the highest percentage in the Mid-Atlantic States region. The Adult Primary Care department, with its diverse team of nurses, physicians, certified nursing assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and receptionists, wanted to see who was slipping through the cracks in terms of blood-pressure management—and why. By collaborating and adjusting their workflow, team members got more hypertensive patients’ blood pressure under control. 

Here's What Worked

• Developing specialized scripts for clinical nurse assistants (CNAs), who make outreach calls to patients with hypertension, and for receptionists, who make reminder calls about check-up appointments
• Refining workflow so CNAs consistently send patients with elevated blood pressure to nurse practitioners for management
• Referring patients with complex blood pressure medication management for additional consultation

What can your team do streamline processes to meet patient care goals? What else could your team do to increase communication and morale?