Connecting patients, supporters, and providers for better heart health
High blood pressure affects nearly half of people in Alabama (42.7%)—third worst in the country—and is particularly common in communities with limited access to preventive care or lifestyle counseling. Most people find out they have high blood pressure while visiting their primary care doctor, who can help patients manage their blood pressure through methods like dietary changes, increasing physical activity, getting better sleep, reducing stress, and taking medications as prescribed.
Unfortunately, primary care doctors often do not have the time during their visits with patients to talk about all these different topics. Other health care providers in primary care can help patients with making these changes, these might include providers who have special training in psychology and behavioral health. It may also be helpful for patients to include a support person—spouse, a family member, or a close friend—in their care for high blood pressure.
Research that involves behavior counseling with a supportive person shows positive changes in health and emotional well-being. In this pilot study funded by the Forge AHEAD Center, researchers led by Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., will use this existing research to develop a counseling intervention that can be used by behavioral health specialists working alongside primary care providers.
Principal Investigator: Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.