A self-measured blood pressure protocol to improve medication adherence and blood pressure control

Background & Significance: People with hypertension (HTN) living in poverty have a higher risk of developing end-organ damage and dying from complications than those living in wealthier areas. Purpose of Project: To decrease the risk of HTN-related complications by implementing an evidence-based protocol of self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring with weekly personal support calls to improve blood pressure (BP) control and medication adherence among low-income minorities. Methodology: This study used a quasi-experimental design. Patients from a private primary care practice were recruited. All participants received a 45-min in-person educational session on SMBP and a 15-min phone call weekly for four weeks. Participants were to collect and report BP readings weekly. A validated instrument to evaluate a patients’ adherence to HTN therapy: Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy scale (HB-HBP), was used to collect pre and post-intervention scores. Results: Nine participants completed the project. The majority of the participants' ages ranged from 60-79 yrs, about 55% had HTN for over 10 yrs, and about 32% reported knowing the proper techniques to measure their BP at home. A statistically significant improvement in the mean SBP readings (p= 0.028) and HB-HBP scores (p=0.012) occurred from pre to post-intervention. Medication adherence alone was not statistically significant (p= 0.056). Implications for Practice: Although there wasn’t a significant improvement in medication adherence, this study indicated a statistically significant improvement in SBP and adherence to HTN therapy. The potential impact is a reduction in the adverse sequala of uncontrolled HTN.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference