Emergency Nursing Policy and Hypertension Awareness: an Integrative Review of the Literature

Purpose of Review: This study aims to systematically examine the literature on nursing policy and hypertension (HTN) awareness in the emergency department (ED). Recent Findings: The electronic databases searched included Pubmed, OVID, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies were limited by adult, English language, and peer-reviewed articles published in the USA between the years 2015 and 2018. Our literature search allowed for quantitative and qualitative studies with a focus on nursing policy and adult patients treated in the ED who have HTN or elevated BP. Eight quantitative studies were retained for review and appraisal, and were rated to be of moderate quality evidence. Findings were summarized under three themes: BP reassessment, referral, and practice. Summary: The role of ED nurses in the screening and referral of this patient population remains largely uncharacterized. More robust trials are critically needed to improve practice and outcomes for patients with uncontrolled HTN. Clinical trials are needed to examine the efficacy of ED-based interventions on BP control, using multi-disciplinary samples of ED clinicians.