Communication and Treatment Adherence in Hypertensive Patients

In hypertensive patients, treatment adherence is improved with patient-centered communication (PTC), leading to better outcomes. Many barriers to PTC should be ov ercome, including patient background characteristics, provider time constraints, and provider discomfort. Using patient-centered education increases patient awareness of choices and builds a partnership between the provider and patient. Nurse practitioners should adhere to PTC by discussing the disease of hypertension, treatment, and self-monitoring. Overcoming communication barriers will lead to better patient understanding, trust, satisfaction, improved treatment plans, greater adherence, and improved blood pressure.