Hypertension management: what is the role of case management?

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of case management on hypertension management and on adherence to antihypertensive medication and chronic disease care of patients with hypertension. Method This study was conducted as an experimental and randomized controlled study. The sample of the study consisted of randomly selected patients with hypertension who did not have communication problems, who used antihypertensive medication treatment and whose treatment had been continuing for at least six months. The study group was given individual training (Hypertension causes, the risk factors, significance, unwanted side effects, medication treatment, changes in life style) and was applied case management model in hypertension - joint care protocol but no intervention was offered to the control group. Data was collected using the adherence to antihypertensive medication scale, the patient assessment of chronic illness care in the first and six months later interview. Results There was no significant difference between the study and control group according to adherence to antihypertensive medication and patient assessment of chronic illness care in the first interview. Otherwise, there were significant differences between the study and control group according to blood pressure, adherence to antihypertensive medication and patient assessment of chronic illness care in the six months later interview. The adherence to antihypertensive medication total score and the patient assessment of chronic illness care total score were significantly higher in the study group compared with control group in the six months later interview. Conclusion The case management plays an important role the in control of hypertension, and can improve adherence to antihypertensive medication and chronic illness care.