Approach to Antihypertensive Adherence: A Feasibility Study on the Use of Student Health Coaches for Uninsured Hypertensive Adults

Despite pharmacologic advances, medication non- adherence continues to challenge primary care providers in blood pressure (BP) management. Medical, nursing and pharmacy students (n = 11) were recruited and trained as health coaches for uninsured, hypertensive patients (n = 25) of a free clinic in an uncontrolled open trial. Pre- post analysis was conducted on BP, medication adherence, frequency of home BP monitoring, and health behavior (eg, diet, exercise). Patient satisfaction and feasibility of a student coach model was qualitatively evaluated. In the 12 patients who completed the intervention, an increase in medication adherence as measured by the Brief Medication Questionnaire was observed (P