Development of a model to caring for patients with hypertension In the area of responsibility of the Primary and Holistic care Department, Sribanpot Hospital Phatthalung Province

Abstract

          This study was a Participatory Action Research aimed at developing and evaluating a care model for hypertensive patients in the primary care service area of Sribanpot Hospital, Phatthalung Province. The research was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, divided into three phases: 1) situation assessment, 2) model development with three action cycles, and 3) evaluation. Participants included 25 key informants (hypertensive patients, village health volunteers, professional nurses, and a multidisciplinary healthcare team) and collected data from 163 hypertensive patients. Research instruments included knowledge, attitude, and self-care behavior assessments. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis with participant involvement.

            The results revealed that the developed care model comprised six components: 1) initial assessment, 2) medication management, 3) education and support, 4) complication prevention, 5) lifestyle modification, and 6) follow-up monitoring. After implementation, patients showed statistically significant improvements in knowledge (t=-3.547, p=0.003), attitudes (t=-3.124, p=0.004), and overall self-care behaviors (t=-5.128, p=0.001). Additionally, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels decreased significantly (t=7.36, p=0.002 and t=9.23, p=0.001, respectively). Patient satisfaction with the care model was high (90.80%). This developed model can serve as a practical guideline for hypertension management in similar primary care settings.