The Skaraborg hypertension project. II. Feasibility of a medical care program for hypertension.

The feasibility of a nurse-based care program for hypertension has been evaluated. The program was established in one half of the County of Skaraborg, the other half being selected as control area. Record forms from the diagnostic work-up and annual check-ups of all 3240 patients registered during five years were reviewed. Compliance with diagnostic procedures and treatment was excellent. At the end of the five-year trial period, 7% of the population studied (40-69 years old) were registered at special outpatient hypertension clinics. Random samples were drawn of patients treated at these clinics and patients taken care of in the control area. These patients were interviewed concerning their general opinion about the care, their opinion about nurses as the main deliverers of care, the continuity of care and needs for information. The comparisons favoured care at the hypertension clinics. It is concluded that the program was feasible and preferred to conventional care by the consumers.