Have well-formed long-term relationships with patients

Have knowledge of relevant comorbidities, history, and social circumstances

Perform diagnostic workup for secondary causes of hypertension

Arrange appropriate ongoing diagnostic and laboratory testing once the diagnosis has been made

Identify the presence of and the need to treat multiple risk factors

Develop treatment plans, including integration of the management of hypertension with the management of other risks and comorbidities

Know when to refer for specialist consultation

Are accessible in primary care settings, specialty clinics, and inpatient settings

Screen at-risk patients in all settings

Provide patient education on pharmacologic treatment and lifestyle changes, with additional time given to reinforcing important concepts and encouraging self-management

Take correct blood pressure measurements and educate patients on proper home-measurement technique

Nurse practitioners diagnose patients with primary hypertension and assess, counsel on, and monitor antihypertensive drug therapy

Are highly accessible and present in most communities

Screen at-risk patients (public health approach)

Sell blood pressure monitoring devices, and ensure that only approved devices are sold to patients and that devices are used properly by patients

Have medication expertise, with respect to selection and monitoring of drug therapy, drug-related causes of hypertension, patient counseling, drug interactions, and cost effectiveness

Assess medication adherence, reinforce its importance, and share this information with the team; medication-packaging aids can be implemented if required

Can proactively identify patients with poorly controlled hypertension or other issues and refer them to other health care professionals