We helped our local NHS understand what patients think about blood pressure checks at opticians and dentists
Local NHS services received funding to pilot blood pressure (also known as hypertension) testing in several dental practices and opticians across Hertfordshire and West Essex. The areas included Harlow, Epping, Watford, Dacorum, Hatfield and Stevenage, where data suggested there may be high numbers of people with undiagnosed hypertension.
Why not get your blood pressure checked this May Measurement Month?
What did we do?
We held two online focus groups with 21 local residents and asked what they thought about opticians and dentists offering blood pressure checks.
The participants did not have a diagnosis of hypertension and most said they didn’t know when their blood pressure was last checked.
The majority had visited their dental practice and/or opticians in the last six months and said they would have liked to have their blood pressure checked at these appointments. They felt it would be a good initiative to offer testing.
The most common concern was whether staff were qualified to carry out blood pressure readings and if they could provide appropriate guidance and advice if the reading was higher or lower than normal.
Some were also concerned about adding extra time to their appointment and suggested any blood pressure check should take place while waiting to be called, rather than afterwards.
In regard to dental practices specifically, a couple of people said they found visiting their dentist very stressful and their blood pressure was likely to be raised as a result, giving a falsely high reading.
Since the scheme began, more than 550 blood pressure checks have been conducted in opticians and dental practices, with around 100 people referred for further medical help due to high readings.
Check locations and find out more here Blood pressure checks available at some dentists and opticians - Herts and West Essex ICS
“Patients are pleasantly surprised that we can offer blood pressure checks.
“As Optometrists we ask about a patient’s family history, and any symptoms they may be experiencing. We also look at blood vessels at the back of the eye as part of our work. We can detect signs of high blood pressure when examining the health of eyes. This puts us in an excellent position to advise a patient to have a blood pressure check.
“We would previously have to request the patient see their GP for a blood pressure check, but now we can offer the service in store. Patients find this much more convenient, and it saves them time. We have had very positive feedback for the scheme.”
Specsavers Harlow Optometrist Neha Patel - one of the opticians taking part in the pilot
Did you know it’s May Measurement Month?
Undiagnosed high blood pressure is the number one cause of preventable death in the world. Yet a blood pressure check takes a matter of minutes – and could save your life.
More than 200 pharmacies across Hertfordshire and west Essex offer FREE blood pressure checks, as well as some dentists and opticians.
The local NHS is urging everyone over 40 to ‘take a sec to check’ their blood pressure. Even though you might feel healthy and strong, high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and stroke.
People who are Black or South Asian are more likely to be at risk from high blood pressure, so if this applies to you or your family members, please come forward for a quick, free painless check.
More Information about where to get a blood pressure check, how to understand what the numbers mean and advice on how to make healthy changes to your lifestyle can be found here: hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp
