Effectiveness of Nurse-Delivered Health Education in Blood Pressure Control among Patients with Hypertension: A Literature Review

Abstract

Hypertension requires sustained blood pressure control, yet patients may have limited understanding and inconsistent self-management practices. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of nurse-delivered or nurse-led health education for blood pressure outcomes and hypertension self-management. A structured narrative literature review was conducted using a publication search period of 2021–2026. Ten relevant research publications were included in the synthesis, supplemented by clinical guidelines and theoretical references. Targeted searches used PubMed/PMC and journal publishers’ websites, with publication details verified through DOIs. The synthesis suggests that structured education, individual and group counseling, self-management support, and remote follow-up may improve systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure. A meta-analysis by Bulto and colleagues reported pooled mean differences of −4.66 mmHg for systolic and −1.91 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure compared with usual care, although evidence certainty was low. Findings varied across individual studies, and digital interventions did not consistently produce significant between-group differences at all measurement points. Improved knowledge, self-efficacy, or adherence should not be equated with demonstrated blood pressure control unless clinical outcomes are measured. Nurse-led education is an important element of integrated hypertension care, particularly when tailored to patient needs and accompanied by repeated blood pressure assessment.