The effective management of high blood pressure by improving adherence through education

Abstract

<p>This project assessed the effectiveness of the adoption of a policy including guidelines and training to improve antihypertensive medication adherence rates. The project determined the utilization of hypertensive clinical practice guidelines by primary health care providers. The method was to show improved rates of adherence to antihypertensive medications in patients over a 3-month period of time. The aim was to demonstrate an improvement in adherence to antihypertensive medication, subsequently showing a positive effect on the management of hypertension. This was accomplished through education provided to the primary health care providers. A policy utilizing the Joint National Committee-8 guidelines was developed and adapted into a training module and presented through 1-to-1 training to providers. The project site had an increase in adherence rates from 42% to 50%. The increased adherence indicated training to providers and health care teams is an effective way to help increase overall adherence rates.</p>