Improving Access to Care for Pediatric Patients With Hypertension

Abstract Elevated blood pressure, Stage 1 hypertension, and Stage 2 hypertension in childhood and adolescence correlate with hypertension in adulthood. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors are a valuable tool for diagnosing hypertension. This project developed an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-managed specialty pediatric hypertension clinic to increase access to blood pressure monitor device screening and thus improve care. The number of monitors increased from 7 to 28, and the turnaround time from send out/placement to receipt of the monitor decreased from an average of 22 to 5 days. APRN-managed specialty clinics are a proven method to improve pediatric patient care.