Effectiveness of a Pharmaceutical Care Program for Hypertensive Patients Admitted to the Homeward Care System, Bueng Kan Hospital

Abstract

Objective: This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical care program for patients with hypertension receiving care through the Homeward system. The objectives were to compare the mean values of : (1) patients’ knowledge of hypertension treatment and medication use, (2) patients’ self-care practices and medication adherence, and (3) blood pressure levels before and after receiving the program. Methods: The sample consisted of 36 hypertensive patients admitted to the Homeward system, selected through purposive sampling. Participants received a structured pharmaceutical care program consisting of three key components: initial assessment, education and counseling, and follow-up. Research instruments included a knowledge questionnaire on hypertension and medication use, a medication adherence behavior assessment, and blood pressure measurements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically the paired t-test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant improvement in patients’ knowledge scores after participating in the program (from a mean of 9.4 to 12.8, p < 0.001). Similarly, patients’ self-care and medication adherence scores increased from a mean of 33.4 to 42.5. Additionally, 94.4% of patients achieved controlled blood pressure levels following the intervention. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the pharmaceutical care program effectively enhanced patients’ knowledge and behaviors related to hypertension management and contributed to improved blood pressure control in patients under the Homeward care system. The results support the continued integration of pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams to ensure sustainable and effective management of chronic diseases in community settings.