Summary
​Millions of Americans have uncontrolled hypertension and are low-income or uninsured. Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers (HCs) are primary providers of care to these patients and a majority have adopted the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). Study authors examined whether HC patients who received PCMH concordant care showed improved hypertension outcomes.
Using data from the 2013 and 2014 Uniform Data System, authors used a nationally representative survey of 2,280 adult HC patients with hypertension. Study outcome measures included flu shots, number of primary care visits, normal blood pressure at last visit, emergency department (ED) visits, confidence in self-care, and compliance with provider recommendations. The primary independent variables were (1) whether the HC coordinated and referred patients to specialists; (2) provided counseling, health education, coaching, treatment plans, and advice on hypertension control; and (3) helped patients obtain government benefits, medical transportation, and basic needs such as housing and food. Logistic and negative binomial multivariate regression models were performed. Authors found hypertension-focused coaching was associated with normal blood pressure at last visit and fewer ED visits. Behavioral health counseling was associated with increased self-efficacy in self-care management.
Publication Authors:
- Nadereh Pourat, PhD
- Xiao Chen, PhD
- Weihao Zhou, MS
- Christopher Lee, MPH
- et al