Abstract Body: Background. Globally, less than 20% of people with high blood pressure (BP) have it controlled. While patient education improves BP control by increasing patient engagement, evidence-based education that meets health literacy needs is not delivered as standard practice in primary care.
The perspectives of patients and primary care practitioners on patient education delivered for BP management and the barriers and enablers to this are not understood, which was the aim of this study.
Hypothesis. Patient education for BP management is unstandardised in primary care and insufficient resourcing is a key barrier to best practice.
Methods. Qualitative study using semi-structured phone interviews with patients (n=27) who manage BP (Jun-Dec 2023), general practitioners (GPs; n=10), practice nurses (n=7) and pharmacists (n=6) (Aug 2024-May 2025). For data analysis, inductive thematic analysis was conducted separately on patient and GP interview transcripts, and deductive thematic analysis on nurse and pharmacist transcripts according to themes of GP transcripts.
Results. Patients were middle aged (59±16 years, 59% men) and lived in metropolitan areas (37%). Practitioners (47% ≤39 years old, 78% women) had <5 years’ experience (48%) and worked in metropolitan areas (87%).
Patients and practitioners reported that patient education was unstandardised in delivery and content. Patients felt education delivered was insufficient in breadth and detail, with many also seeking information online. “I wasn't too happy about the way he explained things. He was a little bit vague” (Patient).
Among practitioners, GPs were most likely to deliver education but were unaware if it was also delivered in other primary care settings. GPs provided opportunistic, verbal education and few gave written resources if trusted resources were accessible. Adapting education according to patient motivation was mentioned, but not health literacy. “The other thing is patients’ health literacy. Different people understand different things. Although we provide the same resources, same education” (GP). Nurses reported delivering education when billing structures and time allowed. Pharmacists delivered education on medication as part of standard care. Lack of time and funding were common barriers to patient education.
Conclusions. Patient education for BP management is unstandardised and mostly isolated to the GP clinic. Practitioners require support and training to deliver high quality patient education.