Approximately 48% of adults have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic pressure exceeding 80 mmHg. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) for hypertension management is gaining traction as an effective tool for managing this chronic condition. Research shows that RPM enhances patient convenience, strengthens relationships with care teams, and improves understanding of their condition. This article explores findings from two studies that examine how patients experience and respond to RPM programs.
Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertension Management
A qualitative study published in the American Journal of Hypertension examined patient experiences with RPM in a primary care setting affected by health disparities. The study involved interviews with 14 participants who had varying levels of engagement with the RPM program. Researchers focused on factors influencing RPM implementation, such as adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
Key findings include:
- Participants generally found the RPM program acceptable and appropriate for managing hypertension.
- They appreciated the team-based, out-of-office approach and enjoyed nurse and clinical pharmacist phone calls.
- Many reported forming positive relationships with their care team and a better understanding of hypertension management.
- The convenience of remote monitoring was highly valued.
Patient Perceptions and Satisfaction With RPM
Remote patient monitoring for hypertension management has shown promise in obstetric care, especially for managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. According to the CDC, about 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Remote pregnancy monitoring can help identify and manage hypertension in high-risk pregnancies by providing real-time blood pressure readings sent directly to the obstetrician.
A study published in Gynecology and Obstetrics explored patient knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their satisfaction with an RPM program. The study involved 545 postpartum patients with hypertension, 306 of whom consented to data collection. The patients participated in an RPM program for six weeks after delivery, with surveys administered at 1, 3, and 6 weeks postpartum.
Key findings include:
- At one week postpartum, 88% of respondents correctly identified a blood pressure greater than 160/110 mmHg as abnormal.
- At three weeks postpartum, 87.4% reported being “very” or “somewhat” likely to attend their postpartum follow-up visits due to the RPM program.
- At six weeks postpartum, 85.5% were “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the RPM program.
- No statistically significant differences in responses were found across racial groups, indicating that the program was equally well-received by all.
These findings suggest that most postpartum patients had a strong understanding of hypertension and were highly satisfied with RPM. Additionally, RPM seemed to increase the likelihood of attending follow-up visits, which is critical for managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Understanding Research in Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertension Management
These studies provide background on the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring for hypertension management in chronic and pregnancy-related contexts. They highlight the potential of RPM programs to improve patient engagement, knowledge, and satisfaction while encouraging necessary follow-up care. As healthcare evolves, understanding patient experiences with technologies like RPM will be crucial in developing effective, patient-centered care strategies for hypertension management.
