Improving Hypertension Management in Primary Care PDF Download

Author: Laurie Granberry
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
Hypertension (HTN) is "the most common condition seen in primary care and can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, and death if not detected early and treated appropriately". High BP is consistently of the most fatal health conditions in the US. Despite often having no warning signs, untreated high blood pressure increases the odds of suffering from poor outcomes from cardiovascular disease and stroke. This study focuses on managing HTN in an ambulatory care setting in San Jose, Ca. serving ethnically diverse and vulnerable populations. The Iowa Model for Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care, developed by Titler et al., "is well-known and highlights the importance of considering the entire healthcare system from the provider to the patient, to the infrastructure, using research within these contexts to guide practice decisions". The theoretical framework of the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness is applied to the study as the patient population is identified as having the chronic condition of HTN and the need for self-care strategies. The central phenomenon of self-care is defined as a "process of maintaining health through health-promoting practices and managing illness". A second theoretical framework is Wagner's chronic care model, a process improvement model to achieve improved coordination of long-term medical conditions within healthcare organizations. This project's methodology is the utilization of a multimodel team approach in educating patients on hypertension management. Patients are selected as identified as having essential hypertension according to the EMR. A joint educational presentation utilizing PowerPoint to review HTN and its consequences with a demonstration on appropriate blood pressure measurement is provided. Community partners discuss food preparation/selection. After the presentation, there is a 6-7 - minute relaxation video. Patients are given a blood pressure machine and log to take home. There is also a brief survey for the participants to complete. There is a time set aside to meet with the provider and pharmacist to review medications. Patient confidentiality is respected throughout the process. In conclusion, effective group classes with collaborative efforts to address the critical risk factor of HTN can help patients lower their blood pressures, better maintain a steady medication routine and diet, provide strategies in helping to manage blood pressure, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life and reduced risk of death. This finding compares favorably to that of the literature review, which supports multimodal strategies in treating this chronic illness. Ultimately, the goal of this evidence-based outcomes project utilizing the Iowa model with self-care and chronic care theoretical frameworks as a guide will improve blood pressure results and provide strategies for providers and patients to help manage their chronic illness.