Guidelines for selecting outcome measures: lifestyle modification for stage 1 hypertension

Lifestyle modification is the recommended intervention for stage 1 hypertension. Advanced practice nurses are well positioned to guide lifestyle modification, and they are well prepared to measure outcomes related to the intervention. Selection of an appropriate outcome measure begins with matching the measure to the intervention. Matching is reliant on identification of the system of ideas and the research database guiding the intervention. This article proposes guidelines for selecting an outcome measure for use with individuals in practice settings. The guidelines are then applied in the selection of an outcome measure for lifestyle modification in stage 1 hypertension.