To help individuals manage their high blood pressure, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has recently implemented group visits for hypertension at our MediSys Family Care Center in Jamaica, Queens.
The group model has become increasingly popular and provides many benefits for both patients and providers. Group visits offer participants a unique and supportive setting. Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other and gain the necessary self-management skills to improve their health. Group visits have shown to improve adherence to care, increase trust in their providers, lower hospitalization rates, and improved quality of life.
The hospital’s hypertension group visits consist of approximately four to six patients. The groups meet regularly for an extended visit that is led by a physician. Patients have the opportunity to learn about disease management from their physician and from each other.
Patients discuss a range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and medications. Members are encouraged to engage in a free-flowing dialogue that is facilitated by the doctor. The doctor offers support, education, and counseling.
Although it is a group model, each patient receives individualized care. Each patient has their vital signs monitored, blood work reviewed and medications are altered as needed.
Group medical visits have been incorporated as one of our Patient Centered Medical Home PCMH initiatives. PCMH is a new model of care that focuses on delivering high-quality, well-coordinated primary care. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care in the management of chronic disease. Jamaica Hospital has achieved PCMH designation at several off-site care centers.
Jamaica Hospital is proud to be a pioneer in the evolution of healthcare and invites members of the community to experience the many benefits of group care. For more information on Jamaica Hospital’s hypertension group model, please call 718-206-7088.