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Hypertension

You are currently viewing a topic page that is part of the Cluster Planning Support Portal (CPSP). Each topic page comprises (a) topic-specific strategic context; (b) signposting to data analyses relating to local health needs; and (c) improvement action options.

 

A. Strategic context

Consider the national strategic context for prioritising improvement action in this area (in conjunction with your health board’s annual plan and regional partnership board’s area plan). The strategic importance of a given topic is key to thinking about how our actions align with local or national initiatives and policies to deliver collective and measurable impacts on population health.

  • High blood pressure is the top-ranked clinical risk factor contributing to avoidable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). 
  • Prevention and reduction of high blood pressure to reduce the burden of avoidable disease is identified as a joint priority for Directors of Public Health across Wales. 
  • The inverse care law (Hart 1971) states that the availability of good medical care tends to vary inversely with the need for it in the population served. The Inverse Care Law (ICL) Programme, established in the South Wales valleys, aims to increase ascertainment of people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease and supports them to make healthy behaviour changes. 
  • Indicators for this topic are reported via Primary Care Measures.

 

B. Data analyses

Consider statistical indicators and other evidence on population needs to compare your own position to that of others, both within and without your health board (where possible). If relevant, consider any additional local data requirements that might contribute to an informed decision on action.

  • Indicator: Description of a recommended indicator relating to this topic, which would inform population needs assessment.
  • Data source and link: Who produces the analysis and where to find the most current analysis on their website (NB the most current analysis may not utilise the most recent data).
  • Documentation link: Where to find general advice on interpreting the analysis e.g. what is/ is not included, any caveats, etc.

Indicator:

Prevalence of hypertension (%)

Data source and link:

Outcomes Framework (QOF) disease registers

Documentation link:

This data source PDF includes a technical guide

 


C. Improvement actions

Identifying priority actions involves seeking and appraising evidence on effective and cost-effective improvement options. The below options are a starting point for considering interventions at practice, cluster/ professional collaborative or pan-cluster level. The make-up of your cluster and the stakeholders you work with is likely to influence the type of actions you take.

Reviewed by: BM/VT | Review date: 06/08/22 | Topic code: CFR-001