An evaluation report has been produced by Liverpool John Moores University for the ‘High blood pressure detection through innovation’ programme, which is part of the wider ‘Saving lives: Reducing the pressure’ strategy.
The qualitative evaluation included a literature review and collection of qualitative data through interviews with members of the public who had a blood pressure check as part of the scheme, staff who were involved in delivering the checks, and wider stakeholders involved in implementation.
Some headline findings from the report are as follows:
- Important features of the initiative for members of the public were its convenience and ease of access. There was a widely expressed preference for checks to be carried out in a familiar, non-medical setting.
- Members of the public had a sense of empowerment in being able to decide where and when to have a blood pressure check (i.e. with the kiosk and pharmacy checks), and people reported feeling reassured by the check.
- Stakeholders and members of staff delivering the blood pressure checks felt that excellent partnership working between a wide range of different agencies had been one of the key drivers to successful implementation of the initiative.
- It was recommended that the initiative is part of broader multi-level approaches that aim to promote healthy lifestyles in order to improve equity. Monitoring the impact of the initiative across different socio-economic groups is also key.