BSN 499 Activity 3 Literature Review - Part II

Student Name

Post University

SIMPATH_BSN499

Professor Name

August 17th, 2022

Literature Review – Part II

Introduction

The strategic plan of the capstone project is to design and launch patient education regarding patients with chronic hypertension. The goals of this program are the improvement of patient education on hypertension, compliance to prescribed medications, prescription of lifestyle changes, as well as decrease of complications and readmission rates that is related to hypertension. One of the major tactics for creating the efficient patient education program is the consideration of the results of researches concerning chronic illness, patient education theories and scientific evidence concerning educational interventions effect on patients’ health.

Literature Review

1. Patient Education and Chronic Disease Management

Conditions such as hypertension are long-term illnesses which demand consistent management and involvement of the patient. According to Hanzhou Wu and their colleagues (2023), patient Self-Management of chronic diseases requires a constant learning process, especially on the part of both patients and medical workers. In this respect, the article implies that patients’ permanent educational training is critical to updating their knowledge and skills in managing their health condition. Self-management in chronic hypertension involves knowledge of the disease process, taking the prescribe medicine, change in behavior/nutrition and early signs of complications (Wu et al., 2023). As a result, capturing the essence of the capstone project involves the provision of regular educational sessions to equip the patient with adequate knowledge and management tools for hypertension. 

2. Compassionate and Equitable Care

Kemal Jemal, Dejene Hailu, Mathewos Mekonnen, and other in (2021) writes on the importance of the creative factors as ethical approaches to the care of patients in the health facilities. The article emphasizes that every patient should be treated equally regardless of the race and social status that he or she has. When it comes to patients’ care, the concept of compassionate care in the context of the capstone project means that each patient should be provided with individual education and support (Jemal et al., 2021). Applying principles of compassion when conducting the patient education program will ensure healthcare providers are trusted by their patients, and get the best results from patients, especially those with chronic hypertension. 

3. Technology in Patient Education

The study by Anne Kuwabara, Sharlene Su, and Jeffrey Krauss (2019) looks at how the use of technology systems has enhanced patient education and self-management. The study focuses on recognizing and appreciating the ongoing support, educative tools and monitoring resources provided by mobile apps, other online platforms and digital resources for such patients. Looking at the long-term process of combating chronic hypertension, technology is useful in the form of mHealth solutions like applications for medicine intake alerts, blood pressure measurement, and links to additional information (Kuwabara et al., 2019). These tools not only allow the patients to be involved in the management of their health but also bring in an aspect of interaction and feedback between the patient and the director of health. The identified approach under the capstone project involves the use of mobile application in engaging the patients and maintaining their health on the course of correcting the hypertension ailment. 

4. Impact of Educational Interventions on Medication Adherence

Abelardo Contreras-Vergara along with other research partners (2022) discussed the effectiveness of educational approaches for improving patients’ compliance to medications in chronic diseases. The study highlights the importance of developing and implementing sector-specific educational interventions by demonstrating that enhanced medication compliance lowers the costs of managing ailments and boosts disease management. In patients with chronic hypertension, it is imperative to ensure that the patient adheres to taking their antihypertensive drugs to control their blood pressure to the desired levels while preventing events like stroke, heart diseases and renal failure (Contreras-Vergara et al., 2022). Thus, the capstone project consists of individual classes and counseling focused on improving medication compliance among participants. Understanding and explaining some of the barriers to adhering to antihypertensive medication and lifestyle modifications can help practitioners support patients and encourage better self-management, therefore reducing the impact of hypertension on patients’ quality of life. 

5. Group Support and Peer Influence in Chronic Disease Management

Dean M. Thompson, Lesley Booth, David Moore & Jonathan Mathers (2022) focus on the aspect of group support and peer pressure in enhancing healthy practices and enhancing the lives of persons with chronic illnesses. The article notes that peer support programs and group activities of the participants are beneficial because they can develop team identity, increase a sense of belonging, and create responsibility among participants in group tasks(Thompson et al., 2022). In regard to chronic hypertension, group education enhances patients’ knowledge on healthy lifestyles, promotes compliance with the prescribed treatment regimens, and fosters sustained behavior change. As part of several activities of the capstone project, the organization of group activities, support groups and peer discussions is planned to design an environment in which the participants can exchange their experiences, train how to support each other and learn how to remain a safe and healthy lifestyle(Thompson et al., 2022). These individuals with hypertension can hence be textured through the use of influence from peer groups hence improving patient satisfaction and the overall health status in this group. 

Critical Analysis

The literature reviewed suggests that one of the big gaps in the management of chronic hypertension is patient education. However, it also demonstrates the difficulties experienced in relation to the overall success of patient education plans. The reviews indicate that patient education is not actually performed and is thus more or less always an ad hoc and opportunistic activity. This suggests the importance of the systematic and the extensive patient education plans, which are developed according to the patient’s needs and appreciation. 

 Another big issue describes the prioritization of patient education in the social media platform. The literature also indicates that education programs must offer an individual approach and adapt to the patients’ needs. This kind of approach can improve communication and compliance from the patient’s side in following the doctor’s orders. For example, some of the patients more comfortable using graphic and icons controls as handouts and videos, while other ones might require written languages or spoken words. Knowing and respecting these choices can greatly enhance the learning of patients. 

 Education and training of nurses is also considered to be effective in fulfilling this role as argued by the literature. Patient education is an essential role that must be fulfilled by nurses in their care of the chronic hypertension patient; they need these skills and knowledge to teach the patients. This includes the preparation of detailed written documents and materials, one-to-one meetings where trainers personally engage users, and easily accessible online content.

Conclusion

The literature reviewed gives a strong backing to the strategies and objectives developed in the chronic hypertension patient education program. Applying the information from the literature review on patient education, compassionate care, information technologies, adherence interventions, and peer support, the capstone project will help patients to manage their hypertension and enhance their health outcomes. Healthcare providers can improve the level of patient involvement and adherence to antihypertensive medications and prevent the subsequent consequences of chronic hypertension through the constant education of patients, one-on-one approach, use of technology, and peer support interventions. The strategies proposed in the capstone project imply that a comprehensive approach with an emphasis on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care is feasible in ensuring the best health outcomes for chronic conditions such as hypertension.