*VIRTUAL* Promoting Patron Borrowing of Blood Pressure Loaner Kits in Suffolk County Public Libraries: Lessons Learned

Program Type:

Adult Services, Children's Services, Outreach Services, Professional Development, SCLS Staff, YA Services
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Event Details

High blood pressure (HBP) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Clinical practice guidelines recommend self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring to improve management of HBP, but these SMBP devices are largely underutilized. Evidence-based interventions that promote access to SMBP are lacking. This presentation will describe an evaluation of an innovative SMBP device loan program, the BP Loaner Kit Program, in Suffolk County Public Libraries. This presentation will describe trends in SMBP device borrowing in participating member libraries over a 24 month period, as well as library staff members and patrons’ perceptions of the BP Loaner Kit Program -- including the benefits, barriers and opportunities for improvement. The study provides valuable feedback on why it is important to offer SMBP loan programs in public libraries which enables access to such devices in a non-clinical setting.

The BP Loaner Kit was piloted in December of 2021, in six member library locations, and is now available in 49 member library locations. At this time, blood pressure monitors have been loaned to patrons across Suffolk County approximately 3,000 times. We welcome all member libraries to participate in the BP Loaner Kit program. Please join us on September 26th or contact Valerie Lewis  valerie@suffolknet.org if you would like to know more about the program.