Reshetnyak, Caterina. Improving blood pressure control and hypertension management with a self-measured blood pressure monitoring intervention. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-9zmd-5v44
DescriptionPurpose of Project: Hypertension (HTN) affects about one in every three adults in the United States, yet the rate of blood pressure (BP) control is suboptimal. Poorly controlled HTN contributes to significant target organ damage and increases mortality. Self- measurement of blood pressure (SMBP) is an effective strategy for empowering hypertensive adults to become active participants in the management of their chronic condition and promoting adherence to medications. Practice guidelines strongly recommend SMBP, however, it continues to be underutilized and not routinely encouraged in clinical practice.
Methodology: A pilot program utilizing a quasi- experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was implemented in a community health fitness facility. A convenience sample of thirteen adults who self-reported to have HTN and were currently prescribed antihypertensive medications were included. Three in-person sessions were conducted over the course of four weeks. BPs were measured for participants at the initiation and conclusion of the program. Participants were educated about the benefits of SMBP, its proper technique, and asked to perform it at home for two nonconsecutive weeks.
Results: The average differences in systolic/ diastolic BPs and medication adherence scores were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed- ranks test. The SMBP intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in systolic BPs (p= 0.041, CI: 95%, Z= -2.047) and to an improvement in medication adherence (p= 0.002, CI: 95%, Z= 3.068). The post- intervention mean diastolic BP was numerically lower than the pre-intervention mean diastolic BP, however, the change was not statistically significant (p= 0.126, CI: 95%, Z= -1.531).
Implications for Practice: SMBP offers a new approach for improving HTN management. Healthcare providers should offer adequate support and encourage all of their patients who are diagnosed with HTN to routinely utilize SMBP.