Hypertension Case Finding Service: Reminder on accurate blood pressure recording

We’d like to remind pharmacies delivering the Hypertension Case Finding Service (HCFS) of the importance of accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement and documentation.

The quality of the data submitted through the service is important to ensure GP practices receive clear and accurate information to support patients’ ongoing care. Taking the time to record readings correctly and consistently also helps ensure the service is delivered in line with the national specification.

We encourage contractors to:

• Review local processes for measuring and recording clinic BP and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) results.
• Ensure all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other team members delivering the service are trained and confident in recording BP measurements correctly.
• Carry out periodic checks of BP data quality and provide refresher training where needed.
• Ensure staff understand the different recording requirements for clinic BP and ABPM, and follow the service specification when escalating patients with raised readings or concerning symptoms.

Remember, the role of the pharmacy team is to accurately measure, record and share BP readings with the patient’s GP. The diagnosis and ongoing management of hypertension remain the responsibility of the GP.

This reminder follows recent communications to the sector reinforcing the importance of accurate BP recording as part of the Hypertension Case Finding Service.