[Evaluation of the degree of compliance in arterial hypertension protocol].

We report an evaluation of the hypertension protocol. Its aims were to assess the degree of compliance with its variables, the number, age and sex of hypertensives, and the rate in whom blood pressure levels were controlled in the patients included and not included in the protocol. The study was carried out in the Basauri Teaching Unit from January 1987 to June 1989. We reviewed all the parameters of the medical and nursing protocol of 1,429 patients diagnosed as hypertensive and the mean value of the three last blood pressure readings. A total of 67.2% of patients were included in the protocol. The compliance was higher than 80% in most of its items; 61.8% of the prescribed nursing controls were carried out. Blood pressure was less than or equal to 159/94 in 68.1% of patients. This rate was higher in the patients included in the protocol. The protocol was useful for the control of hypertension, although it should be modified directing it to primary care.