Share The Pressure

Abstract

This paper summarises 'Share The Pressure' (STP), a project that developed and piloted a scalable model for engaging patients on the benefits of risk factor control for healthy ageing; training healthcare professionals (HCPs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk communication and to engage patients around the benefits of understanding risk factor control to enable healthy ageing (age- based approaches have been demonstrated to be motivating for patients). Thus, to improve shared decision-making processes between nurses, pharmacists, and patients. The study features the use of a CVD risk tool called Heart Age,³ which has been shown to effectively motivate risk factor reduction in individuals. The study team engaged virtually with patients and HCPs through established relationships within the community, third sector, charities, and social media. In addition, patients living with high blood pressure (hypertension) participated via online focus groups and surveys, which provided insight into patients' preferences for conveying CVD risk, quantification of intervention benefits, side effects and processes to facilitate shared decision-making. This insight gained from the focus group and survey data informed adaptations made to the Heart Age tool to provide 'years off' - or lowering of heart age - benefits for different aspects of blood pressure lowering, focusing on the independent and joint benefits of medication management and lifestyle. The study piloted a training programme for nurses and pharmacists to support them in communicating and framing risk and intervention benefits. The study trained 1,148 HCPs from 37 countries over 17 sessions. Post-training survey results of HCPs indicated an increase in self-rated knowledge and a strong likelihood of applying information learned to their clinical practice. In addition, the Heart Age users found the personalised report and Heart Age test results very motivating for patients with high blood pressure.

Keywords: blood pressure; education; hypertension; risk reduction; shared decision-making; training.

Appendix 1.. Feedback from healthcare professionals in the training programme

Appendix 2.. Number of healthcare professionals by country who attended the training