NR 702 Week 1 Discussion: Foundations for Project Design

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 developed PICOT question is:

In patients diagnosed with hypertension who are receiving antihypertensive therapy, how does the application of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, compared to usual care, affect the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure within a primary care clinic over a 12-week period?

NR 702 Week 1 Discussion: Foundations for Project Design

Background and Significance of the Problem

At the practicum site, uncontrolled hypertension continues to pose a substantial health challenge. Despite being prescribed antihypertensive drugs, approximately 59% of patients maintain elevated blood pressure levels. This ongoing issue places individuals at a heightened risk of serious complications, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease. Such outcomes not only contribute to increased morbidity and premature mortality but also significantly elevate the financial burden on healthcare systems.

Given these consequences, it is imperative to explore evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions that can work alongside traditional medical therapies. Lifestyle modifications—particularly dietary patterns, regular physical activity, and cholesterol management—have consistently demonstrated positive effects on blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health (Alnooh et al., 2022; Guo et al., 2021).

Project Aim and Objectives

The central purpose of this quality improvement project is to assess the impact of the DASH diet on reducing uncontrolled hypertension in the practicum population.

The objectives of the project are:

• To implement the DASH diet among patients diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension.

• To measure the program’s influence on key cardiovascular risk indicators, including blood pressure levels (systolic and diastolic) and cholesterol profiles.

• To determine whether participation in the DASH program leads to a quantifiable reduction in uncontrolled hypertension within a 12-week timeframe.

Why Use the DASH Program?

The DASH diet is a widely recognized, evidence-based dietary intervention that promotes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. Unlike pharmacological therapy, which primarily manages symptoms, the DASH program fosters long-term lifestyle changes that address the underlying contributors to hypertension.

Extensive clinical trials and meta-analyses support its role in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improving lipid metabolism. Consequently, this program presents a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients (Guo et al., 2021).

Key Elements of the PICOT Question

PICOT Element	Description
Population (P)	Patients diagnosed with hypertension who are currently receiving antihypertensive therapy
Intervention (I)	Introduction of the DASH diet program
Comparison (C)	Standard care or usual treatment without additional dietary guidance
Outcome (O)	Reduction in the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension
Time (T)	12 weeks

Anticipated Outcomes

It is anticipated that patients enrolled in the DASH program will demonstrate:

• Greater adherence to healthy dietary practices.

• A measurable reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

• Improvement in cholesterol levels and other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

• A decline in the proportion of patients experiencing uncontrolled hypertension within the 12-week implementation period.

These outcomes are expected to support the role of the DASH diet as an adjunct to pharmacological management, fostering improved patient health and reduced reliance on medication adjustments.

Implications for Practice

If the project demonstrates positive results, the integration of the DASH diet into routine primary care protocols could establish a scalable and effective model for hypertension management. Beyond individual health benefits, this approach may also:

• Decrease long-term healthcare costs by reducing the incidence of stroke, renal failure, and cardiac disease.

• Provide a practical, evidence-based strategy for primary care providers to enhance patient outcomes.

• Encourage patient empowerment through sustainable lifestyle changes, thereby improving treatment adherence and overall quality of life.

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