2010 Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for ...

Chapter 9.Component 4: Patient EmpowermentEmpowerment of patient requires an increase of their awareness about whatthey can do to prevent diseases occurrences in the first instance such as livinghealthier lifestyles, the need for regular health checks and also the need forself-maintenance, thereby sharing with their the management of their chronicdiseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Certainly, the healthcare professionalneeds to develop a working alliance with their patients to enhance and supporttheir capacity for self-maintenance and self-care.Patients should understand the nature of hypertension, the need for long-termmedication and healthy lifestyle maintenance, the consequence of poor bloodpressure control, and treatment options. They should also be informed of thepossible side effects of drugs and to seek medical advice should they occur. Theaim of patient education is to empower patients with the necessary knowledgeand skills so that they can take charge of their own health, to adopt a healthylifestyle and have better adherence to the management protocols (Box 3).Written information should be given to patients if available e.g. pamphlets onhealthy eating, techniques for taking blood pressure.Box 3. Patient’s Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour ChecklistPatient with hypertension should know and practise:●●Know the nature of the disorder●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●Understand hypertension can be asymptomaticKnow the risk of complications and, in particular, the importance of bloodpressure monitoringSet individual target of treatmentKnow individual lifestyle requirementsKnow importance of exercise in treatment and practise regularlyKnow self-monitoring of blood pressure, and the meaning of blood pressurereadings, as well as what action needs to be takenKnow the possible side effects of drugs they are taking and seek doctor’sadvice promptly should they occurNeed to regularly follow up with your doctors19 HK Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings