Project self-evaluation
From the materials reviewed, hypertension is considered a risk factor for several diseases and necessitates for treatment through the lowering of blood pressure. Preventing the negative systematic effects on organs then entails that those suffering from hypertension assume a considerable responsibility in the monitoring of their health status. Therefore, the understanding of blood pressure in patients is an intellectual process and is expressed in blood pressure numbers rather than being anchored in first-hand experiences of the constellation of symptomatology from their bodies, as would other chronic illnesses (Bonnel & Smith, 2014). Then, this would require the increase of attention to the necessity of establishing convincing and informative communication with the patients on the salient features of high blood pressure. For example, a number of factors have to be take into consideration during participant interviews. Two parts then emerge: The components of patient exposition – that is, presenting patients with the possibility to express their perceptions on the illnesses in their words properly; and, secondly, the provision of provider explanation (Bonnel & Smith, 2014).
Bonnel and Smith (2014) note that compliance to antihypertensive is one of the complicated reasons that underlie the skimpy control of blood pressure. Compliance to medication is a complex interrelationship of behavioral, motivational, social, and cognitive functions (Bonnel & Smith, 2014). By exploring the constellation of these factors, it is then that the understanding of African American on hypertension and its management will be presented.
Audio-taping interviews with African Americans suffering from hypertension soon after a regular medical follow-up from an arranged meeting with a physician in the sample study is one modification that could benefit the research. The eligibility criteria, for participant inclusion in the study, then would also include patients visiting their physicians for a regular hypertension checkup, with a main diagnosis of hypertension, and that they should be currently on, or at least in the past been on a hypertensive drug. The regular calling of these selected patients and regular follow ups would also be conducted.
By the answers received from the patients, the follow-up questions of interviews conducted would be asked to clarify the meanings of their responses and thereof eliminate any ambiguities. Then, for example, the interviewer has to decide on the sequence of the questions during an interview. This is good research practice.
Exploration of the patient’s understanding of blood pressure is a significant step also in the study. The conceptual problems associated with the knowledge of a patient on their blood pressure could be demonstrated by how they described their blood pressure phenomenon. Some patients are aware that BP is of equal distribution throughout the vasculatures of their body. The physiological cause of tangible signs such as headaches associated with high blood pressure would be demonstrated to the patient.
What is the meaning held by the values of systolic and diastolic BP? When patients answer these question, the meaning of systolic (higher) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure may be a reflection of the thoughts that these two mean different physical functions; a point that should be further clarified. According to Bonnel and Smith (2014), patients presenting with high blood pressure describes symptoms such as sweating, nervousness, facial flushing, and difficulties in sleeping. These are some of the myths associated with patients presenting with blood pressure that those conducting the research need be aware of to help guide their study. Patients appropriately should be advised not to attempt to diagnose themselves, that the disease is a silent killer. Moreover, it should not be ignored and always alert a medical professional of any symptoms.
Other important additional questions that may be included are: Where do the patients get their information on hypertension and its management? What are the levels of awareness of the factors that affect blood pressure among the patients? What are the conception of the patients on the consequences and management of high blood pressure?
Reference
Bonnel, W. E. & Smith, K. V. (2014). Proposal writing for nursing capstones and clinical projects. New York, N.Y: Springer.
