Pediatric Primary Care Physicians’ Perceptions of, and Processes for, Pediatric Blood Pressure Screening, Follow-Up, and Hypertension Management

TL;DR

This study explores how pediatric doctors in Massachusetts approach blood pressure screening and hypertension management in children, revealing gaps in practice despite existing guidelines.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into pediatricians' perceptions and practices regarding hypertension management post-2017 guidelines.

Findings

Physicians are concerned about pediatric hypertension but often prioritize other issues.

Blood pressure screening is mostly done during annual check-ups.

Primary care physicians usually refer hypertension cases to specialists.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pediatric hypertension is an important and impactful condition. The 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations for identifying and managing this condition within primary care. However, the perspectives and self-described practices of physicians are largely absent in the current evidence base. We aim to fill this gap through our qualitative investigation of physicians’ perceptions and practices related to the screening, follow-up, and management of primary pediatric hypertension. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with pediatric and family medicine physicians from the largest healthcare system in central Massachusetts. The interviews explored physicians’ perceptions, and practices related specifically to pediatric blood pressure screening, follow-up for high blood pressures, and management of primary hypertension. We used rapid qualitative analysis to synthesize data into the resulting themes. Results: Eleven interviews were conducted. Resulting themes included: (1) physicians are generally concerned about pediatric hypertension and familiar with guidelines, but other concerns often take precedence, (2) blood pressure screening occurs mainly during yearly well visits, (3) physicians do not trust high blood pressure readings, (4) follow-up after high blood pressure readings varies, and (5) primary care physicians typically refer to specialists for hypertension management. Conclusions: This study expands current literature by providing salient context to the state of pediatric blood pressure screening, follow-up, and primary hypertension management after the 2017 guidelines among primary care physicians affiliated with an academic medical center. Our findings related to physicians’ trust in electronic health record flags and the utility of follow-up by school nurses warrant further investigation.