Reducing Veteran Blood Pressure Risk Through Proactive Health Care: A Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)

A novel proactive healthcare approach was developed to address reducing Veteran risk of high blood pressure. Using Lean and Change Management methodologies, the Richland Tri Zulu primary ambulatory care team (PACT) successfully piloted and then adopted multiple solutions to address high blood  pressure risk. Standard work was created to sustain the improvement, with an expansion plan created to encourage the remaining six Richland PACTs adaptation. The Tri Zulu PACT closed FY24 with a 12% improvement in IHD53h_ec control rate, from increasing 77.54% to 89,47%.

Describe strategies to improve blood pressure control, specifically for Veterans in the VA Walla Walla catchment area.

Explain the barriers that may be encountered when working to improve blood pressure control.

Authors

Julia E. Scott is the Systems Redesign & Improvement Coordinator for the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA in Walla Walla, WA. An Army Veteran, Dr. Scott has 24 years federal service and began her professional systems redesign journey in 2017. Julia received her doctorate in 2016 from Indiana University, Bloomington and resides in Texas with her dogs Mavis and Raisin.

Danett Maples is the Chief of Quality, Safety, and Value at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington.  Her career extends over 25 years and features extensive experience in Medicine, Quality, Safety, and Process Improvement. She holds three degrees from Louisiana State University and is an avid Tigers fan.