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Stephen Scharf, DO

  • Graduate 2023
Current Position Information

Family Practice Physician, UPMC Mainline Medical Associates, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Scholarly Research Project

Distribution of BP Cuffs in Order to Improve Self-Monitoring and Control of Blood Pressure in Patients Diagnosed with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

Authors:
Stephen Scharf, DO; Barry Coutinho, MBBS

Needs and Objectives:
At UPMC Shadyside Family Health Center (SHY FHC), 49% of patients with diagnoses of HFrEF or HFpEF had a recorded blood pressure of <140/90 at their most recent appointment. The network average through UPMC was 65% in comparison. The goal of this project is to help patients with a diagnosis of HFrEF or HFpEF at the SHY FHC increase self-monitoring and reporting of their blood pressures.

Setting and Participants:
Blood pressure cuffs or handout instructions were given to patients at SHY FHC who had a diagnosis of HFrEF or HFpEF. There are around 160 patients who currently have a diagnosis as well as 40 providers.

Description:
Over 8 months, patients identified with these diagnoses were asked if they had a blood pressure cuff when seen at the office or during hospitalization. If they did not have a blood pressure cuff, they were given one as well as a handout on how often to take their blood pressure. The handout had instructions on when to contact their PCP and cardiologist. If the patient did have a blood pressure cuff, then they were given only the handout.

Evaluation:
Blood pressure cuffs and handouts were given to as many patients at our clinic as possible over the next 3 months. Data is currently being collected to see how many handouts/BP cuffs were given out, how many patients monitored their BPs and reported them to their cardiologist or primary care physician as well as what percentage of patients now have controlled blood pressure (defined as <140/90).

Hometown
Altoona PA