Det første år med hjemmeblodtryksmåling som tillægsydelse i almen praksis

From April 2003 an economic incentive was introduced in Danish general practice to lend blood pressure measurement devices to patients when indicated and instruct them how to use them. The aim is to encourage the use of home blood pressure measurements (HBPMs) to avoid "white coat hypertension" and achieve more precise diagnoses. The number of prescriptions of HBPM increased from about 3,500 the first month to about 10,500 12 months later. After 9 months, 84% of all practices had prescribed HBPM at least once. There are large variations in the GPs' instruction of patients and in their assessments of the patients' BP measurements. The proper use of the supplementary service has thus not vet been ensured.