Open AccessLessons Learned From a Survey of the Diagnosis and Treatment Journeys of Postmenopausal Women With Hypertension
Author(s) -
Doner Lotenberg Lynne,
Clough Lisa C.,
Mackey Thomas A.,
Rudolph Amy E.,
Samuel Rita,
Foody JoAnne M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the journal of clinical hypertension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1751-7176
pISSN - 1524-6175
DOI - 10.1111/jch.12114
Subject(s) - medicine , perception , experiential learning , hypertension treatment , family medicine , blood pressure , disease , patient education , qualitative research , alternative medicine , medical education , pathology , social science , neuroscience , sociology , political science , law , biology
In this qualitative, experiential study, 300 members of the database of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease completed an online survey about hypertension diagnosis and treatment, patient education, and perceptions of this and related conditions. Based on the findings from the survey, characteristics of the prototypical journey were identified. To the extent to which the surveyed WomenHeart members represent typical experiences, this survey provides insights into common hurdles women encounter in their journey throughout the hypertension diagnosis and treatment process. Results of this study suggest the need for a patient‐centric approach to hypertension management and to implement programs with the intention of comprehensively assessing and meeting individual needs. Further studies would be of value to expand on patients' journeys in the management of hypertension and identify the types of products, services, and programming that most effectively support treatment adherence and achievement of optimal blood pressure control.