Evidence from Peer-Reviewed Literature Barriers to the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice in addressing the Problem

Evidence from Peer-Reviewed Literature

Barriers to the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice in addressing the Problem

As the adult population with hypertension grows, it becomes more difficult for healthcare professionals to assist their patients with blood pressure control. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), there are five barriers to implementing evidence-based practice in hypertensive patients’ care. First, inaccurate and inconsistent blood pressure measurement techniques may impede hypertension diagnosis and management (AMA, 2018). It is recommended that at least two blood pressure measurements be taken, with the cuff bladder encircling at least 80% of the arm (CDC, 2022), failure of which may result in incorrect readings and the inability to diagnose hypertension. 

Second, masked hypertension, which causes patients to appear to have normal blood pressures in the office while having elevated blood pressures outside the office, may contribute to hypertension underdiagnosis. Third, clinical inertia, blamed on the care team, who may be hesitant to initiate and intensify hypertension treatment, may delay treatment and hasten disease progression (AMA, 2018). Fourth, the care team may lack appropriate evidence-based treatment protocols. Finally, poor patient participation in self-management behaviors may jeopardize blood pressure control.