Skip to main content

Differences in BP control using NICE guidelines and QOF targets


High blood pressure is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As cardiovascular risk is directly associated with blood pressure levels, the aim of interventions is to lower blood pressure. This aim results in a definition of the control of blood pressure which is currently understood as an achievement of specific blood pressure levels or targets. These targets have been established in different guidelines based on the consensus views of experts. In a study published in JRSM Short Reports, Lena Barrera and colleagues compared differences in the classification of hypertensive controlled patients between the quality indicator established in QOF guidance and the clinical target recommended in NICE guidelines using data from general practices in London.

They found that 80% of patients were classified as controlled by the QOF target and 1% by the NICE target. 93% and 14% of practices had more than 70% of patients classified as controlled using the QOF and NICE targets respectively. Using the QOF target, men aged 45–64 years and 65 years and over had significantly higher probability of being classified as controlled compared to those aged 17–44 years. Lena Barrera and colleagues concluded that better achievement of blood pressure control targets is present when the less stringent QOF target is used and that greater consistency is needed between the clinical targets in QOF and NICE guidance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the difference between primordial prevention and primary prevention?

Primordial prevention and primary prevention are both crucial strategies for promoting health, but they operate at different levels. Primordial prevention aims to address the root causes of health problems and improve the wider determinants of health. It focuses on preventing the emergence of risk factors in the first place by tackling the underlying social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. This involves broad, population-wide interventions such as: Policies that promote healthy food choices: Think about initiatives like taxing sugary drinks to discourage unhealthy consumption, or providing subsidies for fruits and vegetables to make them more accessible. Urban planning that prioritises well-being: This could include creating walkable neighborhoods with safe cycling routes, ensuring access to green spaces for recreation and relaxation, and designing communities that foster social connections. Social programs that address inequality: Initiatives aimed at reducing pov...
Post a Comment
Read more

New NHS community mental health centres in England

The Government has announced it will create over 100 new community mental health centres across England, which will work alongside GPs and other NHS organisations/ The centres will offer offer walk-in support as well as seeing patients referred from elsewhere in the NHS. GPs have long called for faster access to specialist mental health support for patients, so the expansion of community mental health services is a welcome development. If these new centres improve access to multidisciplinary teams, reduce waiting times and provide more integrated care, they can improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on both general practice and specialist mental health services. Close collaboration between GPs, mental health professionals, social care and the voluntary sector will be essential because many people with mental health problems also have wider social and physical health needs. The success of these centres will depend on how they are implemented. They need to be adequately staffe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Protecting Young People from Meningococcal B Disease: The NHS Targeted Vaccination Programme

Meningococcal group B (MenB) infections are rare but can have devastating consequences. The decision to offer a targeted two-dose vaccination programme to Year 13 students and young people entering university or residential further education reflects concerns about recent outbreaks of meningococcal disease and the higher risk of transmission when large numbers of young adults mix closely for the first time in shared accommodation. The MenB vaccine has a well-established safety record, and evidence from the UK infant immunisation programme has shown substantial reductions in disease among vaccinated children. A targeted programme for those entering higher-risk settings is therefore a reasonable precautionary measure while further evidence is gathered on whether the recent increase in clusters represents a temporary fluctuation in disease patterns or a more sustained change in the epidemiology of MenB infection. The success of the programme will depend on achieving high uptake and ensuri...
Post a Comment
Read more