Improving Adherence to Antihypertensive Regimen Using the SIMPLE Method: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Societal and personal burden associated with nonadherence to provider prescribed antihypertensive regimen challenges both patient and providers to explore methods to improve adherence. Nonadherence to antihypertensive therapy severely underscores the efficacy of treatment making it a serious issue in population health both from the quality of life and from health economics standpoint. In this quasi-experimental study, the effect of 10 minutes of structured education on improving adherence to antihypertensive therapy among adults with primary uncontrolled hypertension at a rural primary care clinic in Missouri was studied. Education was delivered using the SIMPLE method and the study occurred over 6 month period. The SIMPLE mnemonic stands for simplifying the treatment regimen, impartation of knowledge through education, modification of patients’ beliefs, provision of open communication, leaving biases behind, and evaluating adherence using a valid adherence measurement tools. Level of adherence to antihypertensive regimen was measured using the Hill Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (HCHTS). Six participants, three Caucasian males and females participated in the evidence based project. Pre and post intervention blood pressure values were collected and analyzed using paired t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and percentages. Thirty three percent of the participants experienced a reduction in their Blood Pressure (BP) values and met their target BP ranges at 3 and 6 months post intervention. Participants received structured education on the importance of adherence and the trajectory of hypertension which will assist them in the lifelong self-management of their disease.