Woman and Man
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Extract
Background and study aims Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries but despite convincing evidence that lowering of blood pressure decreases cardiovascular disease and death, the control of hypertension (high blood pressure) has been poor in developing countries for a variety of reasons. In Pakistan alone hypertension was shown to affect 18% of adults aged >15 years and around 33% of adults above 45 years. In addition to the high burden of the disease, the availability and quality of the first level care public facilities is not adequate, more so in urban areas. This makes private clinics and small hospitals an alternate choice for first level care in urban areas. However, in the absence of a regulatory and/or partnership mechanism, the care delivery practices vary widely. The proposed implementation research is to develop and evaluate a model of delivering a cardiovascular-hypertension care package through a network of private clinics led by the district, already engaged in communicable disease control activities in Pakistan. The aim is to enhance the delivery of quality cardiovascular-hypertension care through private health facilities in urban settings. The conditions to be covered in the care package include: hypertension, type 2 diabetes and hypercholesteremia (high blood cholesterol). Who can participate? All newly diagnosed hypertensive male and female patients aged 25 years or more from the catchment population of the respective facility will be included after an informed consent. What does the study involve? If you agree to take part your care records will be used to assess high blood pressure and associated illnesses management services at the clinic. You will attend twice for blood pressure monitoring, once at the start of study and once at the end of study. This monitoring of blood pressure will be free of charge and you will be provided with travel compensation. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Taking part is voluntary and you may choose not to take part or to stop being part of the study at any time. The care you receive will be the same irrespective of your participation in the research. If you take part you may have the usual or slightly different procedures (more information/data will be taken if you take part in the project). There are no direct benefits to you, but this study hopes to improve the care of patients with high blood pressure and associated illnesses at private clinics in the country. You will help us find out the best way to care for patients like you in the future. There are no added risks involved in participating in this study. Where is the study run from? Pakistan with the involvement of the University of Leeds, UK. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in January 2012 and will run until December 2016. Who is funding the study? University of Leeds, UK. Who is the main contact? Dr Amir Khan [email protected]
Inclusion criteria
- Hypertension / Cardiovascular Disease