Family Practice Nursing Commons^™

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: A Patient Empowerment Project, Alison Cusmano

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Hypertension is a public health issue estimated to affect 112 million adults by 2030. Primary care patients in an outpatient clinic in Southern California with elevated blood pressure readings in the office did not have an organized system for close follow-up. The purpose of this evidence-based project (EBP) was to educate patients on self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), diet interventions, and healthy weight loss to improve hypertension rates. Through these interventions, patients developed an understanding of their systolic and diastolic blood pressure goals. Nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and licensed vocational nurses screened for high …

Evidence Based Treatment For Excessive Alcohol Consumption And Concurrent Hypertension, Kimberly Ann Ward

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications

Purpose. Excessive alcohol consumption is a preventable risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Though alcohol-related deaths number 88,000 annually in the U.S., alcohol use has the lowest treatment rate of behavioral health disorders at 10%. Excessive alcohol consumption may compromise treatment of hypertension by primary care providers (PCP). This project aims to increase awareness of the hypertension and excessive alcohol use connection and promote screening of alcohol consumption.

Methods A protocol for improving alcohol screening and concurrent hypertension management was developed including: in-person educational presentations; patient education materials; and the use of motivational interviewing. Practice change was assessed …