Identifying Evidence-Based Nurse-Led Interventions for High Blood Pressure

Today, nearly half (about 120 million) American adults suffer from hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure (Estimated Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, and Control Among U.S. Adults, 2024). Moreover, current estimates indicate that this alarming figure will continue to increase well into the foreseeable future unless and until aggressive, nurse-led, evidence-based solutions are identified and implemented across the country. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to provide the introduction, problem statement, objectives and aims, and a discussion concerning the significance of the DNP Practice Change Practicum Project concerning nurse-led, evidence-based interventions to treat high blood pressure.

Problem Statement

As noted above, hypertension currently represents a significant public health concern. Further, despite being a modifiable risk factor for a wide range of health disorders including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney problems, hypertension management remains suboptimal, with only about 25% of affected individuals having their blood pressure currently under control (Estimated Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, and Control Among U.S. Adults, 2024). This inadequate management not only increases the risk of severe health complications but also places a substantial burden on the nations healthcare systems and economy (Ebinger et al., 2023).

As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are uniquely positioned to address this challenge through evidence-based interventions. There remains a notable gap in nurse-led, comprehensive approaches to hypertension management that fully leverage the expertise and patient-centered care that nurses can provide (Zhang et al., 2024). In response to this gap, this project aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a nurse-led, evidence-based intervention program for hypertension management, focusing on patient education, lifestyle modification support, medication adherence, and continuous monitoring to improve blood pressure control rates and overall clinical outcomes.

Objectives and Aims

The overarching objectives of this proposal are as follows:

Develop a comprehensive, nurse-led intervention program for hypertension management based on current evidence and best practices.;

Implement the intervention program in a selected healthcare setting, targeting adult patients diagnosed with hypertension;

Evaluate the effectiveness of the nurse-led intervention program in improving blood pressure control rates and patient outcomes;

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By developing and implementing evidence-based interventions, nursing leaders bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, enhancing the overall quality of hypertension management. Moreover, hypertension management frequently requires a team approach, and advanced practice nurses are especially adept at leading interdisciplinary teams to provide patient-centered, comprehensive care. This collaboration serves to ensure that all aspects of hypertension management, from medication optimization to lifestyle modifications, are effectively addressed (Vay-Demouy et al., 2022).

Hypertension disproportionately affects certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Advanced practice nurses, often at the forefront of community health initiatives, are well-positioned to address these disparities through culturally sensitive and accessible interventions. Moreover, nurse-led interventions for hypertension management offer a cost-effective solution in an era of rising healthcare costs. Indeed, by focusing on prevention and early management, advanced practice nurses help reduce the need for expensive treatments for hypertension-related complications (Zhou et al., 2024).

Finally, as clinical experts, advanced practice nurses contribute to the evidence base for hypertension management through research. By identifying gaps in current knowledge and participating in studies, nursing leaders can help develop new interventions and refine existing practices, contributing to global efforts to combat hypertension. Tis type of work has the potential for wide-reaching impact, as we share best practices, participate in global health initiatives, and adapt interventions for diverse healthcare settings…