Empowering the patient
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Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset, Healthwatch Swindon and Healthwatch Wiltshire undertook surveys and conversations with people to understand how people understand blood pressure testing. They spoke to 486 people.
Many people, especially those from Asian heritage and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, face systemic barriers to accessing blood pressure care. Health services should empower patients to take responsibility for their own blood pressure health.
When invited to a clinic, most people come forward to have their blood pressure taken. However, it is rare that they enquire about blood pressure health or proactively ask for a test.
Understanding of blood pressure readings, risks, and treatments remains low across all groups. Fear, confusion, and lack of culturally relevant information contribute to disengagement.
The people Healthwatch spoke to trust authoritative sources of information. Messaging from the NHS/Public Health about blood pressure has a low profile on social media.
Barriers include limited access to testing; cultural and language obstacles; and the misconception that symptoms must be present to warrant concern. Enablers include convenience, education, and community-based approaches.
To improve outcomes, health partners must focus not only on the availability of services but also on motivating and empowering individuals to use them.