An intervention study aimed to improve early detection of hypertensive patients in family practices. At baseline, only 28.8% of non-hypertensive patients had their blood pressure recorded. After presenting guidelines and encouraging posters, a reevaluation two years later found 39.5% of non-hypertensive patients now had recordings, a statistically significant 10.7% improvement. While this showed increased screening, the conclusion was there is still room for more improvement through new interventions like empowering patients with leaflets and workshops.

1. INTERVENTION STUDY OF EARLY DETECTION OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN FAMILY PRACTICE Janko Kersnik Department of family medicine, University Ljubljana

2. Why? Early detection and timely treatment  better long term outcomes Case finding is an important means in detecting hypertensive patients GPs do not use this practices in the extend they should Practice can be changed

3. Methods Baseline measurement of practices Results presented at a regular staff meetings The intervention introduced: guidelines on opportunistic blood pressure measurements, patients were encouraged by posters Follow up assessment

4. Results At the baseline measurement only 28,8% (66/229) of non-hypretensive patients had their blood pressure values recorded The reevaluation two years later showed 39,5% (180/456) of non-hypertensive patients had their blood pressure values recorded in past two years  10,7% (P<0,001) improvement

5. Conclusions A significant improvement in the number of general practice patients having their blood pressure measured There is still room for improvement  new interventions By empowering patients : leaflets Workshops on prevention and management of chronic disease in family practice