Key result
Patients view post-ED pharmacist-led hypertension management favorably but report uncertainty regarding clinical scope.
Why the study?
Patients relying on the emergency department may experience gaps in blood pressure management, and little is known about their perspectives on pharmacist-led hypertension programs after ED discharge.
What are patient perspectives on the acceptability of a proposed pharmacist-led hypertension management program following ED discharge?
What are patient perspectives on the acceptability of a proposed pharmacist-led hypertension management program following ED discharge?
Patients generally accept the concept of pharmacist-led hypertension management after ED discharge, though success may depend on clarifying the pharmacist's scope of practice and ensuring visible physician collaboration.
High patient acceptance supports exploring pharmacist-led hypertension programs post-ED discharge; leaves open whether clarifying scope and collaboration boosts uptake.
BACKGROUND: Hypertension contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality, yet patients who rely on the emergency department (ED) may experience gaps in blood pressure management. Although pharmacist-led hypertension programs can improve blood pressure, little is known about ED patients' perspectives. We explored patient perspectives regarding the acceptability of pharmacist-led hypertension management after ED discharge. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study of adults presenting to an urban academic ED from September-December 2025 with likely undiagnosed or undertreated hypertension. Semi-structured interviews examined experiences managing hypertension, communication preferences, and perspectives on pharmacist-led follow-up. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis incorporating deductive and inductive coding. RESULTS: Eleven participants completed interviews. Four themes were identified: limited hypertension-related communication and knowledge gaps, technology mitigating barriers to blood pressure management, pharmacists' expertise and scope, and the importance of rapport and accessibility. Participants described competing responsibilities, time constraints, and limited discussion of hypertension during ED visits. Many favored technology-enabled communication and home monitoring. Most viewed pharmacist-led follow-up favorably because of pharmacists' medication expertise and accessibility, but some expressed uncertainty about pharmacists' clinical training, prescribing authority, and accountability. Participants also valued continuity and collaboration between pharmacists and physicians. CONCLUSION: In this small sample, most participants viewed pharmacist-led hypertension management after ED discharge favorably while identifying factors that may affect acceptance. Programs should clearly communicate pharmacists' qualifications and scope, make physician collaboration visible, and balance convenient technology-enabled care with relational continuity.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kuhn et al. (2026) studied likely undiagnosed or undertreated hypertension (n=11). Proposed pharmacist-led hypertension management program was evaluated on Patient perspectives regarding the acceptability of pharmacist-led hypertension management after ED discharge. In a qualitative study of 11 adults, most viewed proposed pharmacist-led hypertension management favorably, valuing medication expertise while noting uncertainty about pharmacists' clinical scope.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: