Improving Self-Management in Patients with Uncontrolled Blood Pressure

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the top contributors to the risk of death worldwide. Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2022a), every year, 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, and it is the leading cause of heart disease, contributing to approximately 20% of healthcare costs. The lack of understanding of blood pressure and necessary lifestyle and diet changes contributes to uncontrolled blood pressure becoming out of control. Education provided by the healthcare provider (HCP) at the patient’s visit is necessary for rural healthcare settings to increase knowledge of uncontrolled blood pressure among a diverse patient population (Cote et al., 2021). Reducing patients diagnosed with uncontrolled blood pressure can reduce costs for patients, organizations, and the health care system. This project aimed to implement educational tools such as a self-management guide, activity log, diet plan, and water diary for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. The project positively impacted patients that had a diagnosis of uncontrolled blood pressure. There was a 50% increase in patient reporting of compliance in self management of health resulting in improved hypertension goals which ultimately reduced complications of uncontrolled blood pressure such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and chronic renal failure.