Linking community-based blood pressure measurement to clinical care: a randomized controlled trial of outreach and tracking by community health workers.

Authors: J Krieger, C Collier, L Song, and D Martin

This study assessed the effectiveness of enhanced tracking and follow-up services provided by community health workers in promoting medical follow-up of persons whose elevated blood pressures were detected during blood pressure measurement at urban community sites. The primary outcome measure was completion of a medical follow-up visit within 90 days of referral. Results showed enhanced tracking and outreach increased the proportion of persons with elevated blood pressure detected during community measurement who followed up with medical care.