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Frequent nurse visits decrease white coat effect in stage III hypertension.
Grazia Maria Guerra-Riccio1, Dante Marcelo Artigas Giorgi, Fernanda Marciano Consolin-Colombo
1Hypertension Unit-Heart Institute, Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
American Journal of Hypertension
|June 5, 2004
Summary
Frequent nurse visits improve antihypertensive treatment adherence and outcomes. This study found that more frequent nursing care significantly reduced blood pressure (BP) and the white coat effect in patients with arterial hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Arterial hypertension poses a significant public health challenge.
- Patient adherence to antihypertensive treatment regimens is often suboptimal.
- The role of frequent nurse interventions in enhancing treatment efficacy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of frequent nurse visits on antihypertensive treatment outcomes.
- To determine if increased nursing contact improves blood pressure control and adherence.
- To assess the effect of nurse visit frequency on the white coat effect.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving patients with arterial hypertension.
- Two groups received pharmacist drug delivery and pill counts every 30 days.
- Group A received nurse visits every 15 days; Group B received nurse visits every 90 days.
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted at 15 and 180 days.
Main Results:
- Both groups started with similar clinical blood pressure levels.
- Group A showed a greater reduction in blood pressure at 90 and 180 days compared to Group B.
- Frequent nurse visits (Group A) significantly attenuated the clinic-daytime blood pressure difference (white coat effect).
Conclusions:
- Frequent nurse visits offer additional benefits to standard antihypertensive treatment.
- Increased nursing contact can enhance blood pressure control and medication adherence.
- Nursing interventions are crucial for mitigating the white coat effect in hypertensive patients.