National leaders in hypertension have acknowledged PharmaSmart as the only blood pressure kiosk solution that can be “recommended by physicians” for patient monitoring.
Rochester, NY (PRWEB) October 09, 2014
National leaders in hypertension have acknowledged PharmaSmart as the only blood pressure kiosk solution that can be “recommended by physicians” for patient monitoring. The scientific peer-reviewed statement, published this month in the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension (JASH), is an evidence-based summary of the issues surrounding public-use blood pressure kiosk accuracy. The authors called on business and health professionals to become “better informed” and “more discriminant” in their choice of blood pressure kiosk “in the interest of public health.”
“Neighbourhood pharmacy and pharamcists' are playing an increasingly important role in the delivery of primary care services, and specifically in the prevention and management of certain chronic diseases. Rexall has deployed PharmaSmart’s Blood Pressure management program into the majority of our stores, which has enabled access for our pharmacists to patient blood pressure results and to better manage patient care,” said Warren Jeffery, Chief Operating Officer at Rexall.
Billy Chow, Director, Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs for Bartell Drugs, noted, “PharmaSmart and Bartell Drugs have teamed up to drive collaborative care projects with prominent physician networks throughout Greater Seattle. These projects would not be possible without PharmaSmart’s strong clinical evidence and industry leading health IT platform.”
The JASH statement authors include Dr. Dominic Sica, M.D., President of the American Society of Hypertension, and two national experts in blood pressure measurement, Dr. Richard Dart, M.D, and Dr. Bruce Alpert, M.D.
The JASH statement follows a recent FDA consumer update highlighting the limitations of blood pressure cuffs found on many public use kiosks. The FDA stated that these limitations cause inaccurate results for many patients, advising consumers, “Next time you see your doctor, get his or her opinion about whether blood pressure kiosks are right for you.”
The JASH statement acknowledges the FDA advice, and clarifies, “there is a device currently available (PharmaSmart) that has undergone full validation testing and offers a wide-range cuff validated for almost all US adult arms.” Based on the available evidence, including an industry survey, the JASH statement authors conclude that PharmaSmart is the only kiosk device that doctors can recommend.
Referenced Articles:
http://www.ashjournal.com/article/S1933-1711(14)00694-9/abstract
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm402287.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
About PharmaSmart®
PharmaSmart®, headquartered in Rochester, NY, USA, currently serves more than 6,000 locations, including retail pharmacies such as Kinney Drugs, Bartell Drugs, Coborns, Nash Finch, Roundy’s/Mariano’s, Associated Food Stores, Leader, McKesson Health Mart, Good Neighbor, Astrup Drug, Winn Dixie, Big Y Foods, Harmons Grocery, Wal-Mart Canada, Safeway Canada, Loblaw’s, Le Groupe Jean Coutu, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall/Katz Group, Sobey’s Lawton’s, and other fine pharmacies. PharmaSmart® also serves major worksites, military bases, University Schools of Pharmacy, hospitals and medical clinics. PharmaSmart’s PS DataSmart® Health IT database currently holds more than (30) million targeted patient blood pressure readings. For more information visit the company's website at http://www.PharmaSmart.com or contact corporate communications Shauna Delahanty-Thomas at (800) 781-0323.
About Bartell Drugs
Founded by George H. Bartell in 1890, Bartell Drugs is a family owned, locally operated company with 62 stores located in the Puget Sound neighborhoods. They have remained a strong, successful, growing and innovative company for 100 years. Bartell Drugs focuses their basic principles of conducting business based on their mission, which is to be the best loved drugstore of their Northwest neighbors by providing an exceptional experience that advances their health, happiness and wellbeing. It is a company that strives to satisfy its customers by offering personalized services.
For more information, visit http://www.bartelldrugs.com.
About Rexall
Rexall is a member of the Katz Group Companies striving to improve access to convenient, quality healthcare and products to Canadians nationwide. Established in 1904, Rexall has been a part of the Canadian industry for more than 100 years and has become one of Canada’s most trusted pharmacy brands. There are more than 425 Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus locations across Canada dedicated to providing pharmacy services, and expanding the scopes of pharmacy care, such as offering daily living products that can help put patients on a healthy path.
Media Contacts
For PharmaSmart®:
Shauna Delahanty-Thomas
Marketing Supervisor
sdthomas(at)pharmasmart(dot)com
