Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview
Hypertension management hinges not only on accurate diagnosis and treatment but also on the patient’s understanding of their condition and its implications. Research indicates that patient education plays a pivotal role in promoting adherence to treatment regimens and improving health outcomes (Kim et al., 2024)). Older adults, especially those aged 65 years and above, face unique challenges in managing hypertension due to factors such as comorbidities and polypharmacy. Therefore, effective patient education tailored to their needs is essential. To delve deeper into the influence of patient education in hypertension management, I interviewed a 70-year-old family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension.
The Interview
Did a patient education representative give you instructions on how to care for yourself after your illness or operation?
The patient acknowledged receiving guidance from the nurse on managing his hypertension. The educational approach involved personalized instructions utilizing various resources such as brochures, posters, and PowerPoint presentations. Initially, lifestyle modifications were recommended, with the nurse and a nutritionist assisting in meal planning, emphasizing foods low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol while also advising on weight management and reducing alcohol intake (Dewidar et al., 2023). Secondly, to mitigate hypertension-related complications, the patient was instructed to adhere to prescribed medication regimens, with guidance to promptly report any adverse effects to the provider. Additionally, regular blood pressure monitoring and maintaining a healthy weight were emphasized. Overall, the instructions aimed to empower the patient with problem-solving skills and self-management strategies for hypertension.
Did a health care professional, pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or elder counselor advise you on your medication, diet, or exercise?
During the interview, the participant emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals in providing self-care instructions for self-care after an illness or operation. He recalled the nurse who emphasized how the regular use of prescribed drugs helps in controlling the blood pressure level and reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications specifically, the participant was taught the correct administration of their antihypertensive medications, including dosage instructions and potential side effects to monitor (Inc, 2023). In addition to that, he benefited from the many professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, and nurses who provided counseling on medication management, dietary adjustments, and physical exercise. For instance, he was advised to reduce sodium intake as it can help lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular complications (Ayodapo AO et al., 2020). Alongside this, he was advised to take part in moderate physical activities. The doctors explained that exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and contributes to the regulation of blood pressure. This interview demonstrates the importance of individualized education for patients in the process of giving them the power to manage their health on their own.
Who assisted you at home after your illness or operation?
The patient shared insights into the experience of receiving care at home for hypertension management. He emphasized the importance of being surrounded by family members and friends in a familiar environment, which contributed significantly to his emotional well-being and, consequently, his ability to manage his blood pressure effectively. However, he also acknowledged the challenges faced by family members in adapting to the responsibilities associated with managing his hypertension care. He described how, following discharge from the hospital, a significant portion of his care was provided by family members, who played a crucial role in supporting him through medication administration, monitoring his blood pressure, and creating a safe home environment conducive to his recovery (Olalemi et al., 2020). The participant highlighted the efforts made by healthcare providers to educate his family members on hypertension and its management, empowering them to take on these responsibilities with confidence. Overall, he emphasized the importance of a collaborative team approach involving the patient, family members, nurses, and physicians in optimizing hypertension management and improving outcomes.
Do you know of any assistance services, i.e., food, transportation, medication, that would help you stay in your home as you get older?
The patient noted that nurses play a very important role in instructing their patients about home-related needs, such as hypertension and aging services that help in managing hypertension at their homes correctly. He acknowledges the help of the nurse in suggesting several approved programs suitable for hypertension management and aging, involving consultations, referral to other organizations, and the transition to community health initiatives, which provide another level of care for individuals in similar situations. The participant encountered no difficulty accessing these services through comprehensive services, including affordable medications and easy self-care options. The readily available resources cover various aspects of hypertension management, such as changing lifestyles through exercise, diet modifications, and group interaction programs to maintain mental health. He indicated that the giveaway of fact sheets and other informational reading materials relating to hypertension has been very helpful to him since it has assisted him in comprehending the condition better and looking after himself. In addition, health insurance was instrumental in authority paying for hypertension treatment. And thus, hypertension management became easier. The participant used effective communication skills during the distressful situation of raising money for hypertension meds and supplies, and as a result, pursued proper self-management techniques and health outcomes improvement.
References
Ayodapo AO, Elegbede OT, Omosanya OE, & Monsudi KF. (2020). Patient Education and Medication Adherence among Hypertensives in a Tertiary Hospital, South Western Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 30(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v30i2.12
Dewidar, O., John, J., Baqar, A., Madani, M. T., Saad, A., Riddle, A., Ota, E., Kung’u, J. K., Arabi, M., Raut, M. K., Klobodu, S. S., Rowe, S., Hatchard, J., Busch‐Hallen, J., Jalal, C., Wuehler, S., & Welch, V. (2023). Effectiveness of nutrition counseling for pregnant women in low‐ and middle‐income countries to improve maternal and infant behavioral, nutritional, and health outcomes: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 19(4), e1361. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1361
Inc, D. (2023, April 11). Nursing Care Plan and Diagnosis for Hypertension. DrKumo. https://drkumo.com/nursing-care-plan-and-diagnosis-for-hypertension/
Kim, H.-L., Park, S.-J., Bae, Y.-J., Sang Hyum Ihm, Shin, J., & Kim, K.-I. (2024). The role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in enhancing medication adherence among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension: an analysis of the National Health Insurance cohort database. Clinical Hypertension, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40885-024-00264-x
Olalemi, O. E., Muyibi, S. A., & Ladipo, M. M. (2020). Perceived Family Support and Medication Adherence amongst Hypertensive Outpatients in a Tertiary Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. West African Journal of Medicine, 37(5), 481–489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33058123/
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Question 
**If they are not over 65, you will not earn points for the essay.
Write a 500-750-word essay on the influence patient education has in health care using the experiences of a patient. Interview a friend or family member about that person’s experiences with the health care system. You may develop your list of questions.
Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview
Suggested interview questions:
Did a patient education representative give you instructions on how to care for yourself after your illness or operation?
Did a health care professional, pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or elder counselor advise you on your medication, diet, or exercise?
Who assisted you at home after your illness or operation?
Do you know of any assistance services, i.e., food, transportation, medication, that would help you stay in your home as you get older?
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