EDUCATION INTERVENTION FOR HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT BY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN - PUMP TRIAL

Abstract

Objectives: To date, no optimal way of organizing and delivering care to hypertensive patients at the primary care level has been identified, due to which a significant number of patients fail to meet the treatment goals. The current study aimed to observe hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians (GPs) to indirectly improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes. Methodology: In this randomized control trial, GPs were divided into 2 groups, and both groups were asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline and after randomization. GPs of the group I received (1 day) face-to-face education with structured educational material on hypertension management strategies. GPs of group II received the print version of educational material (structured educational material) on strategies for structured hypertension management. Both GPs recruited 10 (5 newly diagnosed + 5 already diagnosed patients) from the study site. The patient was asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline and share a 12-hour blood pressure measurement. GPs and patients were reassessed after 3 months of intervention. Results: The Primary endpoint was achieved successfully, i.e., significant change between Pre & Post change blood pressure control. Both the Secondary endpoints were met with a notable change in practice specific to hypertension management as well as knowledge enhancement among GPs and patients regarding hypertension management. Conclusion: The overall effect of hypertension educational intervention for general physicians has indirectly improved blood pressure control and patient outcomes. The results of this study provide a foundation for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians.