Letter: DSNs and hypertension management: pilot study demonstrates feasibility

I read with interest the article ‘Diabetes and hypertension – essential knowledge for DSNs?’ (Jones, 2000). It does seem likely that, with the correct support and training, DSNs would be effective clinical team members to provide educational support for people with diabetes and hypertension. I thought your readers would be interested to hear of our experience in Leicester in this area of practice.

We are currently carrying out a pilot study researching ways of helping people with diabetes and hypertension to manage their own blood pressure (BP) control, supported by a diabetes nurse. All patients on the study were given advice on causes and effects of hypertension and non-pharmacological interventions for controlling hypertension. Some were taught how to take and monitor their own BP at home on a weekly basis using an electronic sphygmomanometer, adjusting their medication according to an individual flow chart. They are either having these adjustments led by the study nurse or are encouraged to self-adjust their own medication. Ninety percent of patients have found self-monitoring acceptable, with the majority taking one reading per week or more.

By encouraging people to take control of their hypertension and offering support in a similar way to self-adjustment of insulin, DSNs may find that the extra work is not as time consuming as first anticipated.