Using the Ottawa Model of Research Use to Implement a WHO Hypertension Education Interventions in Nurse-Led Hypertension Pilot Program in Uganda

Background: Evidence best strategies to address the burden of disease from hypertension through knowledge translation (KT) in Uganda are lacking. This study aimed at demonstrating the use of the Ottawa Model of research use as a KT model in the pilot study among nurses caring for patients with hypertension. Methods: A descriptive and feasibility pilot study using the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU) and involving a convenient sample of nurses was completed in 2013. The six step approach of the OMRU assessed barriers and facilitators, monitor interventions and evaluate outcomes in the study. Primary outcomes data were collected using pre-post interventions tools that assessed nurses’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes about hypertension risk assessment and management. Paired t-tests were run on outcomes data and reported. Results: There was significant improvement in knowledge, skills, and attitudes after three months of implementing multimodal educational strategies using the WHO/ISH training manual. Conclusions: The Ottawa Model of Research Use provided the best framework for implementing a successful nurse-led care intervention in hypertension management with improved knowledge, skills, and attitudes among nurses. Knowledge translation (KT) Models need to be integrated in health professional education to promote the use of evidence based practice for better patient outcomes.