PHARM-ED: Pharmacist-Enhanced Hypertension Management in the Emergency Department

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

3-6-2026

Publication Title

Am J Health Syst Pharm

Keywords

Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the development, implementation, and early outcomes of a pharmacist-driven transitions of care (TOC) hypertension management program initiated in the emergency department (ED) of an urban academic medical center. Methods: This prospective, pilot study included patients aged 18–85 presenting to the Henry Ford Hospital Detroit ED with uncontrolled hypertension (two separate readings of systolic BP >150 mmHg or diastolic BP >100 mmHg) starting in October 2024. Eligible patients received pharmacist-led interventions, including medication reconciliation, adherence assessment, lifestyle and medication recommendations, and were arranged follow up with an embedded clinic pharmacist 7-10 days after discharge or as soon as possible. Patients were also encouraged to follow up with their primary care provider (PCP) within 2–4 weeks. The primary outcome was achievement of BP control (< 130/80 mmHg). Secondary outcomes included change in BP, time to BP target, achievement of BP < 140/90mmHg, percentage of patients with PCP follow-up, medication adherence, number of subsequent ED visits and hospital admissions, and barriers identified to achieving blood pressure control. Outcomes were assessed at each visit up to 3 months. Results: Between October 2024 and March 2025, 72 patients were screened, 13 received ED pharmacist intervention, and 5 completed clinic follow-up. Among these patients, the average reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 44.6 mmHg and 20.8 mmHg, respectively. All patients with follow-up had timely PCP visits, and most reported medication adherence. Key challenges included strict inclusion criteria, operational barriers to ED implementation, and loss to follow-up. Solutions such as streamlined EHR screening, expanded clinic eligibility, and in-ED appointment scheduling were implemented to improve retention and program reach. Conclusion: A pharmacist-driven TOC program for hypertension management in the ED is feasible and may significantly improve blood pressure control and care continuity in underserved populations. Though limited by small sample size, this pilot highlights the value of pharmacists in care transitions and identifies opportunities for expanding and optimizing future interventions

Volume

83

First Page

S803

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