Improving the care of patients with hypertension in Marand health centers with an action research approach

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most common diseases that leads to other diseases and death. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the care provided to these patients. Purpose: To improve the care program for patients with hypertension in Al-Zahra Health Center in Marand city. Materials and methods: This study was a multidisciplinary study in which a quantitative part was performed by cross-sectional method and a qualitative part was performed by research method at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. First, the care status of patients with hypertension in the health center was assessed using a checklist. Then, through nominal group method and semi-structured interviews, the challenges and weaknesses in the process of caring for hypertensive patients were identified. Strategies and suggestions for improving the care process for patients with hypertension were identified through a focused group discussion and finalized using a prioritization matrix. The finalized interventions in the health center were performed and the care status was assessed using the relevant checklist. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Findings: The results showed that the coverage and services provided to patients with hypertension based on the information of the Apple system is 100%. One of the important effects of the intervention is to increase the percentage of known patients in both age groups of men and women and also to reduce the lack of services due to work and ... among men and women during the intervention. The results of the qualitative part also led to the identification of services provided to hypertensive patients, barriers, problems and facilitators in providing care to these patients. Also, the implemented priorities include prescribing basic medicines, providing resources and equipment, communicating with patients' families, using mobile health, involving doctors, using useful trainings, increasing financial incentives, strengthening the skills of health care workers and the center's activity in non-working hours. It was administrative. Despite the short time to implement the priorities, positive effects were observed in some indicators. Conclusion: Despite the relatively good performance of Al-Zahra Health Center in caring for patients with high blood pressure, of course, based on the information registered in the Apple system, the care process needs to be improved, but there are obstacles and problems in providing quality services to these patients. The solutions of this study can lead to their elimination.