Measuring the technical quality of care delivered to patients with hypertension in Tabriz health centers in 2019

Abstract

Abstract Introduction & Objective: Nowadays, due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the most important cause of which is hypertension, more attention must paid to the quality of services delivered to patients with hypertension. The aim of this study was to measure the technical quality of care delivered to patients with hypertension in Tabriz health centers. Research methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2019. Sample size calculated 152 people, and study participant were selected by stratified random sampling among 14 health centers. A researcher-developed questionnaire based on the Ministry of Health protocol was used to measuring technical quality. Data analysis was done by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS 21 software. Findings: According to the results of the study, 73% of participants were women and the age group of 70-60 years with 35% had the highest share of participants. Also, 90% of the study participants used medication to control their blood pressure. Although, 46.7% of the participants were referred to cardiologists, which was higher than other specialists. Also, 45.4% of the participants evaluated the care provided in the last 6 months as good. The mean of adherence to guideline reported by participants was 36.68(2.89). Men had reported higher rate of visit per year and higher adherence to guideline than women (P-value = 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a low level of adherence to guideline in care for Hypertension. Developing new ways of delivering services, especially tele-health services, as well as new training in this area can help to improve the management of patients with hypertension.