INSAF-HAS: a tool to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care

To develop and validate the content of a tool aimed to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care, based on identification of individuals in greater need of attention. The tool was developed and assessed for face and content validity, which was carried out in three stages. Phase I consisted of comprehensive literature review, which prompted the development of the first version of the tool. Phase II consisted of validation by an expert panel. Phase III consisted of a pilot study with hypertensive patients and preparation of the final version of the instrument. Literature review yielded 30 studies, out of which 13 factors associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease control and complications were selected. Once the initial version of the tool named INSAF-HAS was obtained, four expert meetings were held, each leading to instrument improvement until a final consensus was reached. In the pilot study, INSAF-HAS was applied to 30 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension for applicability pretest; adjustments were made and the final version of INSAF-HAS obtained. The INSAF-HAS tool developed in this study has face and content validity, and may contribute to the selection of patients with hypertension in greater need of pharmaceutical care services.