Services Database Screening for Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation in Community Pharmacy (2 LPCs involved)

Please note this service is commissioned across the Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes (BMLK) Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP). Therefore, the following LPCs have the same service in their areas:

• Bedfordshire LPC; and
• Northamptonshire & Milton Keynes LPC.

The service has only been added onto the Services Database under this entry to avoid duplication.

The BMLK STP has developed a pilot service to screen targeted BMLK residents for hypertension and atrial fibrillation through community pharmacies.

Clients identified as at risk of developing hypertension will receive advice on reducing their future risk of cardiovascular disease by addressing their modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as excess weight, dietary salt or alcohol), supporting a strategy of self- care.

Many pharmacies already offer blood pressure testing. However this scheme will offer clients with a clinic blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher home testing to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension from the pharmacy (testing a new pathway that would have traditionally required GP practice input requiring appointments at an earlier stage).

The pilot service will run from February 2018 for 3 months. The pilot provides the opportunity to demonstrate that community pharmacists can have an effective role in identifying people with undiagnosed high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

Not known.