A Comparative Evaluation of the Traditional versus a Systems Approach for Hypertensive Patient Education.

摘要

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the traditional method (physician, nurse) versus a systems approach method of providing health education. The objectives were: to identify cost-effective and feasible ways of delivering patient education; to guarantee an important resource for the professional in fulfilling his/her patient education responsibilities with economy and efficiency; to help minimize the medical workload; to assure medical accountability in the patient education area; to improve medical management; to decrease patient recidivism; to enhance patient satisfaction; to assist the patient consumer to be an effective self-care agent. The sample consisted of 502 diagnosed adult essential hypertensive patients derived from the active duty, retired, and dependent population of two outpatient clinics. A two-group experimental design was used. Personal characteristics, measures of comprehension and retention, measures of compliance behavior, locus of control, and reading level were the main categories of patient variables. Major conclusions were that all of the data indicated a need for a more effective, efficient, cost-effective method of providing patient education than now exists in the AMEDD health care delivery system. More specifically, this study demonstrated and effectiveness of the systems approach methodology in the areas of comprehension, retention, behavioral compliance, and cost-effectiveness. (Author)