Does family involvement in patient education improve hypertension management? A single-blind randomized, parallel group, controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of family involvement in patient education on hypertension (HTN) management. This single-blind randomized, parallel group controlled trial was conducted in Sayyed-Al Shohada hospital in Urmia. One hundred participants who met inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling and randomly allocated into control, patient-oriented, family-oriented and patient and family-oriented groups. Interactive educational interventions were given to three intervention groups for four months. The control group received routine care. The Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale and a mercury manometer were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS V20. The results showed a significant difference in the mean scores of the medical treatment compliance (primary outcome) and blood pressure (BP) among four study groups after the intervention (p < 0.0001). Tukey’s test revealed that medical treatment compliance significantly improved in the patient and family-oriented group compared to other groups after the intervention (p < 0.0001). Family involvement in patient education had a beneficial effect on treatment compliance and patient outcomes. Patients education with the presence of a family member will promote adopting a healthier lifestyle and better managing BP in patients with HTN. It will eventually reduce the medical cost for patients and healthcare systems.