NR 702 Week 1 Discussion: Foundations for Project Design
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-702: DNP Project & Practicum I
Prof. Name
Date
Reducing Incidences of Uncontrolled Hypertension
PICOT Question
The formulated PICOT question is: In patients diagnosed with high blood pressure (BP) and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, how does the implementation of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) program, compared with standard care, influence the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension in a primary care office within 12 weeks?
NR 702 Week 1 Discussion: Foundations for Project Design
Background and Significance of the Problem
At the practicum site, uncontrolled hypertension remains a significant clinical concern, with approximately 59% of patients continuing to experience elevated blood pressure despite being on antihypertensive medications. Persistent hypertension exposes individuals to complications such as stroke, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease, all of which are associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate evidence-based strategies that address modifiable lifestyle risk factors like diet, physical activity, and cholesterol levels (Alnooh et al., 2022; Guo et al., 2021).
Project Aim and Objectives
The overall aim of this quality improvement project is to examine the effectiveness of the DASH diet program in reducing the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension at the practicum site. Specifically, the objectives are as follows:
- Implement the DASH program among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Evaluate the impact of the program on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol and systolic/diastolic BP.
- Assess whether the program leads to a measurable reduction in the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension within 12 weeks.
Why Use the DASH Program?
The DASH diet is a well-researched nutritional strategy that emphasizes increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while reducing saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. Numerous studies have confirmed its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profiles, making it a suitable intervention for patients at risk of cardiovascular complications. Unlike pharmacological interventions alone, the DASH diet promotes sustainable lifestyle changes that can yield long-term health benefits (Guo et al., 2021).
Key Elements of the PICOT Question
| PICOT Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Population (P) | Patients with high blood pressure currently receiving antihypertensive therapy |
| Intervention (I) | Implementation of the DASH diet program |
| Comparison (C) | Standard practice/Usual care without dietary intervention |
| Outcome (O) | Reduction in the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension |
| Time (T) | 12 weeks |
Anticipated Outcomes
By implementing the DASH program, it is anticipated that patients will demonstrate improved adherence to dietary recommendations, a reduction in average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with uncontrolled hypertension is expected within the 12-week timeframe.
Implications for Practice
If successful, the integration of the DASH program into routine primary care practice could serve as a scalable model for hypertension management. It would not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce the economic burden of treating hypertension-related complications.
References
Alnooh, G., Alessa, T., Hawley, M., & de Witte, L. (2022). The use of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) mobile apps for supporting a healthy diet and controlling hypertension in adults: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research Cardio, 6(2), Article e35876. https://doi.org/10.2196/35876
NR 702 Week 1 Discussion: Foundations for Project Design
Guo, R., Li, N., Yang, R., Liao, X. Y., Zhang, Y., Zhu, B. F., & Lei, Y. (2021). Effects of the modified DASH diet on adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.725020