Screening for high blood pressure in children by Belgian physiotherapists: cost modelling and analysis

Details

Supervisors

Deldicque, Louise

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de la motricité, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée: kinésithérapie musculo-squelettique

Abstract

High blood pressure (HBP) in youth has been described as a worldwide public health challenge and is expensive for society. Other countries already experimented with BP assessment performed by physiotherapists (PTs), hence facilitating early detection of chronic HBP. Could this model work in Belgium? The American Heart Association’s actualized clinical guidelines include systematic screening of children in a physical therapy practice. This early detection process currently does not involve PTs in Belgium, contrary to countries offering direct access to these practitioners; nevertheless, the prevalence of HBP is increasing every year, both in youth and adults. PTs are yet in a prime position to detect such anomalies and refer these patients to their family doctor or paediatrician: notably, their patients are often seen on a recurring, long-term basis. Moreover, exercise-based interventions are sometimes the only treatments (along with other lifestyle measures) for most of these children. However, in practice, challenges remain; among which the cost of such paediatric referrals for society, the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility for both healthcare and patients, the clinical implementation for PTs, and the projected impact on nationwide public health. Put simply: is it worth it? This study addresses an important prerequisite to this question: a country-specific cost analysis.