Provider Education on Shared Decision-Making Involving Stress Management Techniques for Hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase provider knowledge regarding stress management techniques for hypertension management, provide education on the importance of shared decision-making, and provide more resources for patients at a small primary care clinic. Background: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States, with only 22.5% of those diagnosed having their blood pressure well managed. Stress reduction techniques have been proven to lower blood pressure significantly. Providing more education to healthcare providers regarding these techniques, through the utilization of shared decision making, can improve outcomes and allow patients to have better control of their blood pressure. Methods: By applying the Model for Improvement a Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle was conducted. After performing a thorough literature review, a presentation was created and given to health care professionals in the clinic. A pre and post survey was done to analyze knowledge gained and the participants were provided with a handout to utilize with patients with hypertension. Results: Following the presentation, a 60% response rate was achieved. The pre and posttest survey revealed that all participants felt more confident regarding hypertension management, shared decision making, and stress management techniques. All participants reported they were likely or very likely to utilize the shared decision tool provided. Conclusions: Overall, this project improved participant’s knowledge regarding hypertension management utilizing shared decision-making involving stress reduction methods. More education and research should be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool provided and effect on patient outcomes.