Blood Pressure Study Outcomes
We have been taking BP readings for the same 12 parishioners over 4 consecutive months. The research data in this study showed a statistical significance on the impact that the parish nurse interventions & screenings had with the participants’ responses. Many risk factors associated with elevated BP’s improved. The best improvements happened from the third to the fourth readings. Here are the results in the areas that were measured:
Improved medication adherence
Increased personal exercise
Reduced intake of caffeine, alcohol, salt, fatty foods
Reduced stress
Within this study, we taught basic education about the risks of prolonged hypertension, increased self-awareness of their personal risks, provided professional feedback and encouragement, while reinforcing personal accountability for their medication regimes. We also provided access to health care resources. We reinforced the importance of contacting their doctors when their BP readings remained elevated, rather than wait until their next scheduled appointment in the future.
This was a fairly simple research design that illustrated the positive impact of intentional, personal attention to reducing the risks of hypertension. Doctors are better able to help you to manage your risks when they become aware of elevated readings. You can do that by creating a personal record of your BP checks over time. Remember: we offer BP screenings on the 4th Sunday of the month after the 9am Mass.
(Published in the October 30, 2011 bulletin)