Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing (ND)
Department
Nursing
Chair
Monica Vasquez, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, WCC, ACHPN
Abstract
Objective: Prevalence of Hypertension: Hypertension is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population, and its prevalence is higher in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare services and resources. Access to Care: Rural communities often face barriers such as fewer healthcare facilities, limited healthcare providers, and longer travel distances for medical care, leading to delayed diagnosis and management of hypertension. Health Disparities: Rural populations may experience health disparities, including higher rates of hypertension-related complications like stroke and heart disease, due to socioeconomic factors and limited access to preventive care.
Method: Community Assessment: Conduct surveys and focus groups to understand the specific barriers to hypertension management in the community. Gather data on current hypertension prevalence and management practices. Patient Education: Develop and distribute educational materials on hypertension, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence. Healthcare Access: Implement telephone calls to provide remote consultations and follow-ups. Monitoring and Evaluation: Set up a regular blood pressure monitoring and data collection log. Expected Outcomes: Improved blood pressure control rates among participants. Increased patient knowledge and engagement in managing their condition. Enhanced access to healthcare resources and services. Reduction in hypertension-related complications. Timeline: The project is planned over 6-10 weeks. Evaluation: Success will be measured through key performance indicators such as changes in average blood pressure levels, patient adherence rates, and participant feedback.
Results: The initiative led the patients to better control hypertension before adding or changing medications by modifying their diet, implementing an exercise program, and learning to take blood pressure and keep the appropriate logs. A 4-6 week planned program of correct diet, appropriate ways to measure blood pressure, and exercise. The expected outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention assessments over ten weeks, which provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the intervention and its potential for long-term sustainability in managing hypertension within the rural community of Presidio, TX.
Conclusions: Improved Health Outcomes: By focusing on better hypertension management, the project aims to reduce blood pressure levels and decrease the incidence of complications such as heart disease and stroke, leading to improved overall health in the community. Enhanced Access to Care: Introducing telephone calls can significantly improve access to care, making it easier for rural residents to receive timely and effective treatment. Increased Patient Engagement: Through education, patients are more likely to understand their condition and adhere to management plans, leading to better self-management and empowerment. Sustainable Implications for Practice: Integration into Routine Care: By embedding QI practices into routine healthcare delivery, such as regular monitoring and use of telehealth, the project can continue to benefit the community beyond the initial project timeline. Cost-Effectiveness: Effective management can reduce complications and hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and make it more feasible for local healthcare systems to maintain these practices in the long term. Next Steps: Evaluation and Feedback: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the project's impact, gathering feedback from participants and stakeholders to identify successes and areas for improvement. By addressing immediate healthcare needs and establishing a foundation for long- term improvements, this QI project can transform hypertension management practices in rural communities, contributing to healthier populations and more resilient healthcare systems.
Recommended Citation
Soto-Hernandez, Jose M., "Improving Hypertension Control Through Structured Lifestyle Interventions in Primary Care Settings in Rural Populations “Hypertension: The Silent Killer”" (2025). Cohort XIII. 4.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/cohort_13/4