HWE ICB Hypertension Dental Practice Pilot

Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB has received funding for a project, piloting case finding for hypertension (high blood pressure). The funding allows for participation of up to 9 dental practices across the following areas within the ICB: Epping / Harlow / Watford / Dacorum / Hatfield / Stevenage

There is a Teams meeting on 20 June 2024 at 6pm  to talk about the pilot, answer questions and explain the process for expression of interest.  

What is the hypertension case finding pilot?

The aim of the pilot is to help to identify people with high blood pressure but without a current diagnosis. The idea is that people may engage with dental services who do not visit their GP or other health services. NHS England is seeking to fund local areas to pilot offering blood pressure readings in dental settings to people:

• Aged 40 or over

• With no previous hypertension diagnosis​

• Living in more deprived areas.

What would participation involve?

Once Expressions of Interest have been evaluated for suitability. Participating practices will be required to:

• Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICB (to follow)

• Nominate at least two members of staff to take blood pressure readings.

• Allow those staff members to attend a short (2 hour) in-person training course that will be arranged and funded by the ICB.

• Proactively promote blood pressure readings by displaying promotional materials that will be provided by the ICB and sensitively approaching people meeting the criteria for the pilot.

• Taking blood pressure readings and subsequently offering advice according to an agreed care pathway. Blood pressure monitors will be supplied by the ICB.

• Record a minimum data set in relation to each blood pressure reading (includes Patient Identifiable Information), and safely store this information.

• Submit an anonymised version of the minimum data set to the ICB quarterly to receive incentive payments.

• Participate in an evaluation of the project. This is likely to involve a brief questionnaire after completing the training and another brief questionnaire or short interview about your experience of delivering the service.

What are the benefits?

Participating practices would receive:

• £440 set-up fee for participation

• £15 per blood pressure check, up to a total amount of £3120.

This is also an opportunity to contribute to improving the health of your population, and to identify patients who may be in need of potentially life-saving treatment related to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

If you have any questions relating to the pilot, please contact simon.hey@nhs.net or if you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to find out more please email the dental team at hweicbhv.dental@nhs.net

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Kind regards,

Clint Foreman

(Asst. Sec. Essex LDC)