Using AMA MAP Hypertension to Increase Hypertension Control: A Webinar Recap

The American Medical Association (AMA) has a mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. This closely aligns with KLAS’ mission to improve the world’s healthcare through insights, collaboration, and transparency. For this reason, KLAS is excited to partner with them.

Earlier this month, KLAS’ Mike Smith hosted three guests from the AMA—Michael Rakotz, MD; Klodiana Myftari, PharmD; and Shannon Haffey, MHSA—in a webinar about the AMA MAP framework for reducing hypertension and improving blood pressure (BP) control.

This is a summary of a few key takeaways from the webinar.

Overview of AMA MAP Hypertension

Dr. Rakotz shared that one of today’s foremost healthcare issues is cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for over 900,000 deaths per year in the US. However, estimates show that as high as 80% of these deaths are preventable with proper intervention and treatment.

Controlling hypertension can prevent more cardiovascular-related events than any other type of intervention. However, healthcare organizations face multiple hurdles in accurately collecting BP data and prescribing effective treatment. The MAP framework helps organizations surmount these challenges and reliably boost hypertension control.

Rakotz shared three predominant factors that may hinder blood pressure control: inaccurate measurements, suboptimal treatment plans, and suboptimal patient adherence to treatment. The MAP program is specifically designed to address these issues with three corresponding mandates: (1) measure accurately, (2) act rapidly, and (3) partner with patients.

Each component incorporates evidence-based strategy and action items to help organizations increase BP control metrics. The AMA also offers personalized support, dashboards, and reporting to help healthcare organizations achieve and maintain hypertension-related outcomes.

Actionable, Evidence-Based Steps within the MAP Framework

To help attendees understand the scope of the framework, Dr. Myftari explained in detail each of its pillars.

Measure Accurately

The AMA has identified 27 types of BP measuring errors with statistical significance. To reduce the likelihood of inaccurate measurements, MAP includes best practices so that organizations can identify validated measurement devices, help patients prepare properly for BP measurements, and establish a protocol for repeat measurements. Even the type of provider taking the measurement can affect the reading, so it is important to control as many factors as possible.

Act Rapidly

A phenomenon called therapeutic inertia causes providers to delay or fail to intensify treatment. Therapeutic inertia is common with hypertension for several reasons, such as lack of provider trust in the measurements or overestimation of treatment. Over 30% of patients diagnosed with uncontrolled BP are not on any medication, and even more are on only one medication. However, data shows that intensifying treatment through combination therapy is one of the most impactful ways to improve BP control. The AMA recommends developing and refining treatment protocols with provider participation to mitigate therapeutic inertia.

Partner with Patients

It is important to involve patients in their care, especially since only about 50% of patients take medication as prescribed. The MAP framework includes methods for collaborative communication and follow-up between providers and patients to encourage patients to participate in their care. The AMA has also established methods to help patients with self-measured BP. 

Bringing AMA MAP Hypertension to Your Organization

Haffey shared practical details about how AMA MAP Hypertension is implemented in participating healthcare organizations. Each implementation is planned for a six-month period, and the program is customized to each organization’s unique needs. The AMA participates continually through quality improvement coaching, which can be either in-person or virtual. Another key component of the program is data and analysis, as the AMA uses collected data to help organizations identify trends, address goals, and identify opportunities for further improvement.

In the years the program has been active, the AMA has seen many outcomes. Through the framework, participants have successfully improved patient health outcomes, increased practice efficiency, and saved money. Published articles about some program successes can be found in journals such as Health Equity, Hypertension, and The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

Working Together to Change the Future of Hypertension Control

We are grateful to collaborate with organizations such as the AMA that are dedicated to improving health outcomes. Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent issue in US healthcare, and it will be difficult to achieve and maintain outcomes without commitment and adherence to proven frameworks.

This summary cannot begin to cover all the insights shared by Dr. Rakotz, Dr. Myftari, and Ms. Haffey. If you would like to learn more, view the webinar or visit the program webpage. You can also direct inquiries to MAP@ama-assn.org or marketing@klasresearch.com.

The AMA will also be joining us at this year’s KLAS Arch Collaborative Learning Summit (July 17–19, 2024) to host a breakout session on their Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. Click here to learn more about the summit and how to register.

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