Abstract/Description

This pilot project seeks to evaluate the effect of nurse-led assessments and education on blood pressure control among adult patients with prehypertension and hypertension who attend a free health clinic located inside of a rural community in Southeastern Virginia. A leading, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease is hypertension, yet disparities in consistent healthcare access and education disproportionately affect rural populations. Nurse-led interventions are a promising strategy for improving hypertension control through personalized education, blood pressure monitoring, and follow-up.

Methods: Participants with a diagnosis of prehypertension or hypertension were recruited from a free rural health clinic (n=20). Over a 7-week period, the Baccalaureate Nursing Student (BSN-S) provided an in-depth group seminar presentation focused on hypertension management including monitoring, lifestyle modifications, medication adherence strategies, and answered frequently asked participant questions about blood pressure. This initial session is being followed by customized blood pressure management education in follow up sessions over 7 weeks. Mean differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures will be trended over the 7-week period. Self-reported data will be assessed for changes in diet, exercise, medication adherence, and symptom management.

Results: In process

Discussion: Data will be evaluated for program effectiveness in reducing hypertensive episodes, increasing self-management, and medication adherence. Results of this project will be used to develop standardized nurse-led hypertension management strategies for current and future participants at a rural free clinic.

Keywords: Hypertension, Medically Underserved Area, Nursing, Free Clinic, Rural, Student Nurse

Comments

This project is proposed for student poster format at the symposium.

The “Full Text of Presentation” submitted is a highlight of the poster components with key talking points and is not the formal research text. However, if the formal research text with references is requested, it will be promptly provided.

To support the review process, I am requesting to submit the following supplemental materials as Additional Files: (1) the PowerPoint presentation used as the formal student nurse-led educational intervention delivered to participants in the project cohort, and (2) the pre- and post-survey templates employed to assess participant outcomes. These materials provide additional context regarding the project methodology, implementation, and evaluation.

Presenting Author Name/s

Leslie Okhirkhian

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Beth Tremblay, PhD, RN, CCRN

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email

bmtrembl@odu.edu

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department

Undergraduate Community Health

College/School/Affiliation

Ellmer School of Nursing

Hypertension Hygiene Presentation.pdf (622 kB)
Week 4 Patient Education Presentation- Hypertension Hygiene

Pre Seminar Survey (1).pdf (30 kB)
Pre-Survey for Week 4 Patient Education Presentation

Post Seminar Survey.pdf (36 kB)
Post-Survey for Week 4 Patient Education Presentation

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Student Nurse-Led Hypertension Management in a Rural Free Clinic

This pilot project seeks to evaluate the effect of nurse-led assessments and education on blood pressure control among adult patients with prehypertension and hypertension who attend a free health clinic located inside of a rural community in Southeastern Virginia. A leading, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease is hypertension, yet disparities in consistent healthcare access and education disproportionately affect rural populations. Nurse-led interventions are a promising strategy for improving hypertension control through personalized education, blood pressure monitoring, and follow-up.

Methods: Participants with a diagnosis of prehypertension or hypertension were recruited from a free rural health clinic (n=20). Over a 7-week period, the Baccalaureate Nursing Student (BSN-S) provided an in-depth group seminar presentation focused on hypertension management including monitoring, lifestyle modifications, medication adherence strategies, and answered frequently asked participant questions about blood pressure. This initial session is being followed by customized blood pressure management education in follow up sessions over 7 weeks. Mean differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures will be trended over the 7-week period. Self-reported data will be assessed for changes in diet, exercise, medication adherence, and symptom management.

Results: In process

Discussion: Data will be evaluated for program effectiveness in reducing hypertensive episodes, increasing self-management, and medication adherence. Results of this project will be used to develop standardized nurse-led hypertension management strategies for current and future participants at a rural free clinic.

Keywords: Hypertension, Medically Underserved Area, Nursing, Free Clinic, Rural, Student Nurse