Tales from the Front Line: Blood Pressure Checks

I think I'm going to have a stroke.

“How can I help?” I ask.

“Well, I think I'm going to have a stroke,” the lady replies.

“Why do you think that?” I respond.

“Well, I had my blood pressure checked, and they told me it was a little high. The man said I was at risk of having a stroke, so I should see my GP.”

“Do you know what the blood pressure reading was?” I ask.

“Hmm, I think it was 160/90, but the issue is I’m really worried about this stroke issue”

This week, the government announced a £3 billion funding package for community pharmacies. The initiative includes enhanced financial incentives for pharmacists to identify patients with undiagnosed high blood pressure to relieve pressure on general practitioners (GPs). The Department of Health and Social Care hopes this funding will help free up appointments in general practice and allow GPs to spend more time with their patients.

TTE previously investigated Self-Screening and Non-Physician Screening for Hypertension in Communities. Our systematic review found 73 studies in nin…