Achievement of standards for quality care of hypertension by physicians and nurses.

The quality of care provided by physicians and nurses to a hypertension clinic population was studied using retrospective chart audit to compare control of blood pressure (physiologic outcome) and provider performance (process). Data was collected from 200 records, 36.4% of patients, in the program. Return visits were kept by 173 patients (86.5%) during the 6 month study period. Satisfactory point prevelance BP control (diastolic less than or equal to 90 mmHg) was achieved in 103 (59.5%). Adequate process was documented for 49 of 69 patients with unsatisfactory BP control. The records of 20 patients (11.5%) did not satisfy minumum quality of care criteria. Physicians and nurses saw similar patient groups and did not differ in process documentation or outcome results. The audit methodology was efficient, effective in evaluating management and useful in providing information about staff performance.