Development of a mobile phone self-report system for persons with hypertension: focus group interviews with patients and providers

• Ulrika Bengtsson, Lena Ring, Inger Hallberg, Karin Kjellgren Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease for which poor adherence to therapy becomes a substantial threat to health. Major efforts have been made to explore reasons for poor adherence but few successful interventions have been designed. There is a need for effective strategies tailored for the unique needs of persons with hypertension. We set out to explore and describe relevant aspects of hypertension and hypertension treatment, from the perspective of persons with hypertension and health care providers. Methods: Focus group interviews were performed with 15 persons with hypertension and 12 health care providers and analysed according to thematic analysis. Results: Persons with hypertension perceived trust, relationship to providers, well-being and prevention of complications as important aspects of hypertension care. Further they sought to understand the interplay between symptoms and variation of blood pressure. The providers emphasised accessibility, clear and consistent counselling, prevention of complications and educational efforts but doubted patients’ ability to be participating partners in care. Conclusion: The study presents aspects that persons with hypertension and health care providers deem important in hypertension self-management. Our finding provides input for future outcome measures, such as self-reports, and may serve as a foundation for the development of a self-report system for persons with hypertension. It may further increase the understanding of hypertension and treatment, from a person-centred perspective.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

hypertension

adherence

self-management

cell phone

person-centred care

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)