The Effects of Self-Management Promotion Program Using Telenursing on Blood Pressure Control among Stroke Patients in Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background : Treatment for high blood pressure is important in preventing recurrent vascular events in patients with previous strokes and decreasing mortality rates in stroke patients. To be consistent with the current situation, nurse case managers of ischemic stroke have developed guidelines for monitoring blood pressure levels in stroke patients by applying self-management theory combined with telenursing to control blood pressure levels within normal limits. As a result, it reduces the rate of recurrent stroke and mortality rates in stroke patients.

Objective : To reduce the level of blood pressure (BP<130/80 mmHg) in ischemic stroke patients with hypertension within 6 months after discharge.

Methods : 1) Selected ischemic stroke patients with hypertension who were admitted for treatment in the stroke unit and neurological ward. 2) Educate patients about stroke and hypertension including educating patients about self-care and self-management. 3) Encourage patients to choose self-care strategies to control their blood pressure levels using self-management theory. 4) Monitor blood pressure levels in ischemic stroke patients with hypertension at 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge via the tele-nursing system.

Results : Ischemic stroke patients with hypertension were able to control their blood pressure level to normal (BP < 130/80 mmHg), increasing from 80.54% to 84.32%.

Conclusion : The results show that self-management combined with telenursing can help patients control their blood pressure. It may result in reducing the rate of recurrent stroke and death in ischemic stroke patients.