Blood Pressure Screening in Faith Communities: A Quality Improvement Project.

There is a direct relationship between elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, so screening for elevated blood pressure is an essential nursing activity. This quality improvement project involving faith community nurses (FCNs) in 24 congregations and other sites tracked readings of blood pressures taken, referrals made, and education sessions provided during a 21-month period. Surveys revealed the project increased participants' awareness about screenings, FCN services, and evidence-based protocols, in addition to identifying high-risk congregants for care and treatment.

Faith community nursing: real care, real cost savings.

At a time when healthcare costs are increasing more than other aspects of the economy, churches are stepping up to help fill needs through congregational health ministries. Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is a rapidly growing health service in the churches of many denominations. This article documents healthcare services and financial savings provided by FCNs and health ministries, showing the critical role faith community nursing can play in containing healthcare costs.