Therapeutic Inertia and Treatment Intensification.
Recommended Citation
Josiah Willock R, Miller JB, Mohyi M, Abuzaanona A, Muminovic M, and Levy PD. Therapeutic inertia and treatment intensification. Curr Hypertens Rep 2018; 20(1):4.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-29-2018
Publication Title
Current hypertension reports
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to emphasize how therapeutic inertia, the failure of clinicians to intensify treatment when blood pressure rises or remains above therapeutic goals, contributes to suboptimal blood pressure control in hypertensive populations.
RECENT FINDINGS: Studies reveal that the therapeutic inertia is quite common and contributes to suboptimal blood pressure control. Quality improvement programs and standardized approaches to support antihypertensive treatment intensification are ways to combat therapeutic inertia. Furthermore, programs that utilize non-physician medical professionals such as pharmacists and nurses demonstrate promise in mitigating the effects of this important problem. Therapeutic inertia impedes antihypertensive management and requires a broad effort to reduce its effects. There is an ongoing need for renewed focus and research in this area to improve hypertension control.
Medical Subject Headings
Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Humans; Hypertension; Patient Care Management; Treatment Failure; Treatment Outcome
PubMed ID
29380142
Volume
20
Issue
1
First Page
4
Last Page
4
