Improving Hypertension Detection and Control Through a Hypertension Certification Program Based Upon the Hypertension Canada Guidelines

Hypertension Canada proposes the first "Hypertension Canada Professional Certification Program"(HC-PCP), specifically designed for Alberta pharmacists, to provide care and support to those at risk for or living with hypertension. Through this program, the investigators hope to help with prevention of the costly and chronic conditions to which hypertension often leads, like kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease. The HC-PCP aims to provide training to pharmacists in the screening, prevention, and management of hypertension. It has been identified that the development and implementation of this certification program provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of such a program on blood pressure reduction. The investigators are aiming to assess the impact of pharmacist management on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. The development of the HC-PCP and the evaluation of its impact will occur in 2 phases. Phase 1 involves the development and implementation of the educational portion of the certification program. Phase 2 involves conducting a 1 year long study to assess the impact of the HC-PCP on blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. This will be launched in pharmacies in Alberta.