title: A small group strategy for improving compliance behavior and blood pressure control.
abstract: A brief small group structured approach to improving compliance behavior and blood pressure control is described. The group intervention is based on the results of a diagnostic baseline survey of ambulatory hypertensive patients receiving care in an inner-city hospital. It was tailored to meet the expressed needs of that population group. Three main steps characterize the intervention: examining health behaviors and compliance issues with the patients using rehearsal of specific coping skills in problem solving activity; using Locus of Control concepts to facilitate process; and encouraging the patient to practice and apply the coping skills in stressful situations. Major themes within the group sessions and general outcomes are examined.
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*