Focus of Study is on Dentist's Attitudes Toward BP Measures Clinical Trial
Official title:
A Mixed Methods Study to Assess How to Engage Dentists in Blood Pressure Screening
20% of Canadians are hypertensive with approximately 200,000 new cases each year. Early
detection of hypertension affects outcomes, reducing the risk for heart attack, stroke,
kidney disease, and dementia. Screening strategies are required to identify the more than
one third of Canadians with unrolled high blood pressure, in particular, younger men unaware
of their condition, women over sixty years old, and underserved groups.
A collaborative practice model linking dentists to other healthcare providers in a reporting
network is a promising model for hypertension detection and management. There are 20,129
licensed dentists in Canada who graduate with the ability to measure blood pressure, and 74%
of the population visits a dentist each year. This represents an opportunity, but
information is required on Dental attitudes toward screening for hypertension before
attempting to initiate a screening model. To engage dentists in hypertension detection
requires an understanding of the practice environment and the factors that shape their
beliefs, attitudes and behaviours regarding routine hypertension screening in their
practices.
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Time Perspective: Prospective