Finding those who would most benefit from hypertension treatment in south east London
High blood pressure (also called hypertension), is often called the "silent killer" because most people experience no symptoms while uncontrolled hypertension increases their risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia.
Hypertension can be managed through a combination of lifestyle measures and medication, but too many people remain undiagnosed, untreated, or don’t achieve the blood pressure levels needed to reduce their risk of serious illness.
The burden of hypertension is not shared equally
People living in areas of greater deprivation, and those from Black African, Black Caribbean and Asian communities, are less likely to have their blood pressure well controlled than other groups. They are also more likely to develop hypertension at a younger age and experience poorer outcomes.
Two of the key barriers to improving hypertension outcomes, highlighted by community engagement with Mabadiliko CIC, were difficulties accessing primary care services and a lack of trust in healthcare systems.
Community pilot addresses the barriers
Over the last 5 years, colleagues from King’s Health Partners (KHP), the SEL Integrated Care Board (SELICB) and Clinical Effectiveness SEL (CESEL) have been collaborating on projects to improve hypertension outcomes and reduce inequalities across South East London. This started with a One London award and over time the partnership has expanded to include the Health Innovation Network (HIN) (South London) and the South London Cardiovascular Network (SLCN). Together they are looking to answer:
How can we reach people who would benefit most from support, in ways that feel accessible, trusted, and relevant to their communities and bring communities and clinicians together?
To answer this question, community organisations and healthcare professionals across south east London worked with Mabadiliko (CIC) to develop a Community Blood Pressure Screening Tool: Training Resource. With the aim to support community organisations to work alongside GP practices and community pharmacies to raise awareness of hypertension, provide blood pressure checks, and help residents access follow-up care when needed.
Fourteen community organisations from across south east London were recruited to pilot the approach, each working with a clinical partner. Rather than expecting residents to engage with traditional healthcare settings, they took blood pressure screening into trusted community spaces where people were already meeting, connecting and seeking support. Together, in eight months they delivered 944 blood pressure screenings, 233 of which were signposted to further care. They also hosted awareness activities across south east London for 1,747 residents.
Comments