Introduction
Most people worldwide suffer from hypertension, a serious public health issue. Therefore, the quality issue selected for this paper is to decrease hypertension to less than 140/90 in 80% of patients in the next 3-6 months through evidence-based interventions. The paper will also look at the six primary components of hypertension, including the economic, political nature, organizational, informatics, and patient elements that contribute to the condition and the value of interprofessional cooperation. Through an evidence-based approach, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of hypertension as a quality safety issue and explores the factors contributing to its poor management among patients.
Selected Quality Safety Issue & Importance
The leading cause of cardiovascular diseases across the globe is hypertension which is widely prevalent among many people. It is essential to reduce hypertension levels below 140/90 in 80% of hypertension illnesses; the following is the rationale for doing this in the next 3-6 months. Many populations still struggle with maintaining good blood pressure levels, highlighting the need for efforts to improve the management of high blood pressure. About 46% of adults have hypertension or are using antihypertensive drugs, according to Angier et al. (2020), which highlights that managing hypertension effectively should be a top priority as it can significantly reduce the burden of complications and improve overall health outcomes.
Economic
Medical practitioners and individuals suffering from high blood pressure must deal with the potentially costly effects of this chronic disease, as hypertension is a significant issue for many American adults, with roughly 33% suffering from it; this, in turn, puts them at risk for heart disease among other complications. A study conducted by Wierzejska et al. (2020) found that hypertension incurred an estimated cost of roughly 55 billion in direct and indirect expenses combined. It was found that the cost of treatment for hypertension might fall between $500 and $2k annually, so according to calculations made by this study, annually treating hypertension would come at a price tag of around $51 billion (Wierzejska et al., 2020).
Also, in their 2020 study on hypertension’s economic impact, Wierzeiska et al. (2020) estimated its indirect costs at $80 billion in 2018. Expenses cover lost productivity caused by early demise or sickness-related leave. Besides hypertension often accompanies conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which can raise healthcare expenses.
Political
Political considerations noticeably impact the control of hypertension, so to ensure healthcare safety and quality in America and that hypertension treatment is provided at an adequate level, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has set up national guidelines. The treatment and control of hypertension have undergone significant changes since JCAHO established certain guidelines for healthcare professionals (Askari et al., 2023). Healthcare professionals must check every patient’s blood pressure per JCAHO guidelines and treat it if it is above 140 mmHg. Also, based on the recommendations of the JCAHO standard guidelines, medically trained professionals must examine and address concurrent ailments correlated with hypertensive conditions, document patients’ BP readings, and impart knowledge about self-care tips for controlling hypertension.
JCAHO compliance alone cannot ensure adequate management of hypertension, a well-planned and implemented healthcare policy is also needed. Due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, there have been significant changes in the treatment options for hypertension. The ACA seeks to expand access to preventative care while reducing healthcare disparities through specific measures. The creation of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), facilitated by ACA, promotes an approach to healthcare delivery that prioritizes teamwork and coordinated care (Angier et al., 2020). Research has stressed that managing hypertension involves not just medical treatments but also considering socioeconomic and environmental aspects since lower-income individuals with less education are more prone to hypertension and often find it difficult to manage this health issue effectively, according to studies. Furthermore, managing hypertension effectively may be influenced by environmental factors like access to healthy foods and opportunities for exercise. Accounting for these external factors in program development is essential for improved hypertension management outcomes.
Organizational
It is essential to recognize organizational components to manage hypertension successfully and efficiently as they contribute considerably to the illness. Moreover, inadequate allocation of resources such as personnel and equipment is one internal element that worsens the issue. Access to resources like these is vital in providing hypertensive patients with the appropriate care. Still, overworked staff members often provide poorer care, ultimately harming hypertension management. Handling hypertension can be attributed to the culture within the organization. Palacholla al.’s (2019) study indicates a strong link between the successful management of hypertension and a positive environment. Promoting an organizational culture where treating hypertension is a priority and embracing changes becomes easier.
Effective management of hypertension internally requires significant support from the leadership team, which is critical for a favorable outcome in treating patients with hypertension, according to the findings presented by Palacholla et al. (2019). Leaders can ensure effective treatment of hypertension by setting specific targets for reducing high blood pressure levels through the targeted use of available funds and by establishing accountability. Promoting organizational transformation while inspiring collaboration among workers is possible when leaders actively manage hypertension.
Informatics
Improved access to patient data via EHRs has helped medical professionals treat and manage hypertension more effectively (Horth et al., 2019). Adding an EHR system to primary care contributes to enhanced detection and treatment of hypertension, as EHRs are an essential tool in enabling medical professionals to properly monitor patient information, including drug histories and laboratory findings, ultimately leading to better treatment for hypertension cases. Utilizing EHRs in healthcare improves communication between healthcare providers, resulting in better co-treatment options and fewer prescription mistakes.
Remote blood pressure monitoring is achievable via telemedicine and mobile health technology, which leads to improved patient engagement for better self-care, as conveyed through the research on hypertension management methods conducted by Bard et al. (2019). Evaluating daily symptoms and blood pressure monitoring are effective measures. Healthcare professionals can deliver individualized therapies and improve patients’ health outcomes by utilizing telehealth technologies to monitor vital information remotely. In addition, mHealth inventions like apps can encourage patient involvement in their healthcare management by giving them access to educational materials, tailored reminders, and real-time feedback.
Using machine learning algorithms enables the identification of people who may suffer from hypertension in the future and offers tailored therapies for reducing their blood pressure. Chang et al. (2019) show that predicting the possibility of developing hypertension is feasible using machine learning algorithms that use patients’ demographic information in addition to their medical records and lifestyle variables. Thus, to enhance hypertension prevention levels, tailored therapies were developed, including nutritional adjustments and prescribed medications. Patients may become more involved in their care and control of hypertension if they embrace this new technological advancement.
Contributing Patient Factors
Various variables, including genetics, age, and modifiable risk aspects like unhealthy behavior, can contribute to hypertension, a multidimensional medical condition. People are more susceptible to developing hypertension as they age and have a family history. As a result, controlling and preventing hypertension, a major public health issue, may be considerably influenced by identifying and addressing all risk factors involved. Preventable risk factors, such as poor diet, inactivity, and high body mass index, also influence the prevalence of hypertension. A study by Ding et al. (2020) found that hypertension is high in individuals involved in risky behavior such as smoking, drug abuse, and obesity. Thus, the rise in hypertension rates and modifiable risk factors emphasize the need for healthcare providers to prioritize prevention and management through lifestyle modifications. The authors recommend that healthcare providers focus on these modifiable risk factors to prevent and manage hypertension.
Stress is another key contributing factor to hypertension. Barochiner’s (2020) research has shown that stress is a significant factor in the inception and control of hypertension, plus other risk factors that can or cannot be changed. According to Barochiner (2020), sustained stress can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which might eventually cause hypertension. Furthermore, those under a lot of stress are more prone to smoke and overeat (leading to obesity), two harmful habits that can worsen hypertension. Therefore, healthcare providers, particularly nurses, can play a vital role in promoting stress management among patients with hypertension through education and implementing stress reduction techniques.
Interpersonal Collaboration
The World Health Organization states that statistically, around 1.14 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, which is frequently accompanied by comorbidities and affects one in every four individuals (Santschi et al., 2017). Even though healthcare practitioners can access many antihypertensive medications, reaching low cholesterol levels in hypertensive patients remains difficult. A lack of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare practitioners who treat hypertension patients is one key factor that may contribute to this problem. Interprofessional collaboration is a dynamic process in which healthcare experts from many disciplines collaborate to deliver the best possible patient care. It integrates many healthcare specialists’ information, abilities, and resources to combine their experience and viewpoints. Healthcare practitioners may provide complete, well-rounded treatment that fulfills patients’ diverse requirements.
Interprofessional cooperation boosts high-grade, patient-centered care that improves health outcomes and patient satisfaction through effective communication, shared decision-making, and mutual respect. According to (Santschi et al., 2017), interprofessional teamwork can enhance patient outcomes, boost patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare expenditures. Various components may contribute to the issue of improper interprofessional collaboration in hypertension management. One critical issue is the need for more communication among healthcare providers. Misinterpretation, errors, and poor patient care can result from healthcare workers failing to communicate properly. A lack of clearly defined roles and obligations among healthcare staff may also contribute. It can lead to disagreements, redundancy, and substandard coordination. A comprehensive strategy is necessary to address the persisting problem of uncontrolled hypertension. It delivers appropriate antihypertensive medications while emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications, patient education, and addressing socioeconomic health factors. Collaboration among healthcare professionals ensures that individuals with hypertension receive coordinated and robust therapy. Patient autonomy and involvement in their treatment, as well as shared decision-making and self-management techniques, can improve hypertension treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, decreasing hypertension to less than 140/90 in 80% of the patients within the next 3-6 months requires a combination of factors. Patients need optimal quality care, while policymakers need to collaborate with health professionals to formulate guidelines that promote the reduction of hypertension. Additionally, authorities should invest in management programs and foster a culture of continuous accountability to enhance control rates. Patients should adhere to medication and modify their lifestyles to achieve their hypertension goals. Finally, one should utilize informatics tools to improve clinical decision-making and create structures that promote effective interprofessional collaboration to improve the management of hypertension. Therefore, a multifaceted approach to reducing hypertension will enhance the well-being of society and create a controlled and valuable situation.
References
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