The experiences of primary clinical nurse practitioners in educating patients with hypertension on health-promoting lifestyle measures at primary health care clinics in Soweto

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC14.24

Authors: Nomasonto B.D. Magobe, Prof M. Poggenpoel and Prof C.P.H. Myburgh

Abstract: Background: Educating patients with hypertension on health-promoting lifestyle measures remains an important treatment option and a cornerstone in decreasing blood pressure and related complications at primary health care (PHC) clinics. There is existing evidence in the literature showing that a healthy lifestyle enhances anti-hypertensive drug efficacy, resulting in lowered blood pressure and a decreased rate in total cardiovascular risk and complications. In South Africa, primary clinical nurse (PCN) practitioners are responsible for the treatment and monitoring of patients with hypertension at PHC clinics, utilizing the prescribed national PHC treatment guidelines, which outline healthy lifestyle measures as the first-line treatment for all stages of hypertension.
Aim: This paper aims to report the experiences of PCN practitioners in educating patients with hypertension on health-promoting lifestyle measures at the Soweto PHC clinics.
Design and Method: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Participants were purposively selected and data was collected using phenomenological in-depth interviews; Tesch’s open coding method of data analysis was utilized. Ethical considerations were maintained and trustworthiness was ensured throughout the study.
Discussion of the results: Results showed that: PCN practitioners had both positive and negative experiences. The positive experiences emerged as the willingness by PCN practitioners to educate patients with hypertension on health-promoting lifestyle measures at the Soweto PHC clinics. The positive experience of willingness through dedication and commitment by PCN practitioners translates into a valuable resource for individual patient education and empowerment with health-promoting lifestyle information. The negative experiences emerged as limitations within the PHC clinics in the form of shortage of staff and lack of patient support groups. These limitations posed a challenge for PCN practitioners to effectively educate and empower patients with the necessary knowledge on health-promoting lifestyle measures.

Keywords: experiences; hypertension; lifestyle; primary health care; health promotion