Role of collaborative care models including pharmacists in improving blood pressure management in chronic kidney disease patients

Purpose of Review: Inadequately controlled blood pressure is considered an important risk factor for both chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular disease progression in CKD patients. Patients with CKD and hypertension are typically followed in primary care practice settings and blood pressure is not controlled in a sizeable proportion. This review will focus on the evidence which demonstrates the important role of the pharmacist in collaboration with physicians within primary care practices to improve blood pressure management in CKD patients. Recent Findings: Several lines of evidence show that pharmacists working in collaboration with primary care physicians can improve blood pressure management as compared with usual care with a physician alone. The major effects of pharmacist intervention are to intensify antihypertensive regimens and improve medication adherence. Summary: Currently, hypertension is not well controlled in a significant proportion of individuals with CKD. Recent studies in the CKD population support evidence from the general population that pharmacists as part of the collaborative care team improves blood pressure management. Research is needed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of collaborative care models in management of hypertension and other comorbid conditions in CKD patients.