Impact of educational mailing on the blood pressure of primary care patients with mild hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of mailed hypertension educational materials.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled single-blind trial.


METHODS
Primary care practice-based research network in which 9 clinics located in Portland, Oregon participated.


METHODS
Patients with mildly uncontrolled hypertension as defined as a last blood pressure of 140 to 159/90 to 99 mmHg from query of an electronic medical record database.


METHODS
Patients randomized to intervention were mailed 2 educational packets approximately 3 months apart. The first mailer included a letter from each patient's primary care provider. The mailer included a booklet providing an overview of hypertension and lifestyle modification and a refrigerator magnet noting target blood pressure. The second mailing also included a letter from the patient's primary care provider, a second educational booklet focused on medication compliance and home blood pressure monitoring, and a blood pressure logbook. The control group consisted of similar patients receiving usual care for hypertension.


RESULTS
Patients from each group were randomly selected for invitation to participate in a study visit to measure blood pressure and complete a survey (intervention n= 162; control n= 150). No significant difference was found in mean blood pressure between intervention and control patients (135/77 mmHg vs 137/77 mmHg; P=.229). Patients in the intervention arm scored higher on a hypertension knowledge quiz (7.48 +/- 1.6 vs 7.06 +/- 1.6; P=.019), and reported higher satisfaction with several aspects of their care. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of home blood pressure monitoring ownership or use.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with mildly uncontrolled hypertension, educational mailers did not yield a significant decrease in blood pressure. However, significant improvement in patient knowledge, frequency of home monitoring, and satisfaction with care were demonstrated.
Hunt
Jacquelyn S
JS
Department of Primary Care Research and Pharmacy, Providence Health System, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, USA. Jacquelyn.Hunt@providence.org
Siemienczuk
Joseph
J
Touchette
Dan
D
Payne
Nicola
N
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care