Lessons from implementing community‐based group classes for severe hypertension

• DOI: 10.1111/phn.12881
• Publication Date: 2021-02-15T01:34:13Z
• Authors: Dominique Bulgin; Colette A. Whitney; Melanie Bakovic; Yunah Kang; Bradi B. Granger; Holly R. Biola
• Keywords: Attendance; Reimbursement; Peer pressure; Community Health

Due to the impact of persistent structural racism, Black men have low rates hypertension treatment and control despite having high hypertension-related mortality. Peer-based education can improve blood pressure monitoring lower in with hypertension. To address this disparity, we implemented weekly community-based group classes for severe at a Federally Qualified Health Center. After 9 months, 28 were held 96 individuals served. Fifty-six percent person-hours attendance been by men. Seven interviewed about their perspectives preferences classes. They reported that peer-based model was advantageous, they would recommend friend. Successes implementation included (a) ability facilitate medication adjustments participants readings over target goal, (b) capacity give take-home monitors, (c) community-centered approach. Challenges variability retention uncontrolled primary care. These findings implications other Centers seeking design similar health promotion programs policy makers evaluating funding reimbursement models disease management programs.