Recent studies have shed new light on the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for hypertension management, revealing positive outcomes for both chronic hypertension patients and those with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. This article will explore the findings of two new studies that demonstrate the potential of RPM in improving patient engagement, satisfaction, and health outcomes.
Patient Experiences with Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertension Management
About half (48%) of adults have hypertension, which is high blood pressure: systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. Remote patient monitoring for hypertension management is gaining traction as an effective tool for this chronic condition.
A qualitative study published in the American Journal of Hypertension examined patient experiences with an RPM program in a primary care setting where health disparities and social inequities are prevalent. The study involved interviews with 14 participants with varying engagement levels with the RPM program. The researchers sought to identify factors that affected the implementation of RPM. Emphasis was placed on adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
Key findings from the study were as follows.
- Participants generally found the remote patient monitoring for hypertension program acceptable and appropriate for managing hypertension.
- The participants appreciated the team-based and out-of-office approach. They also reported enjoying the format and content of nurse and clinical pharmacist phone calls.
- Many participants reported forming positive relationships with their care team and an improved understanding of hypertension and blood pressure management.
- The convenience of remote monitoring was highly valued.
However, the study also identified some barriers to engagement. These included work conflicts, forgetfulness, and the quantity of required blood pressure measurements. Facilitators for engagement included a doctor’s recommendation and the desire for help with blood pressure management.
Remote Patient Monitoring and Patient Perceptions and Satisfaction
The CDC reports that about 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Remote pregnancy monitoring can be used in high-risk pregnancies to identify and treat hypertension concerns. Remote patient monitoring for hypertension management has shown promise in obstetric care, particularly for managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
When a patient takes a blood pressure measurement with a remote patient monitoring device, the reading is sent to their obstetrician in real-time. Regular vital sign data helps obstetricians to understand their patient’s condition better. A study published in Gynecology and Obstetrics explored patient knowledge about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their perceptions and satisfaction with an RPM program.
The study involved 545 patients with postpartum hypertension. The patients were enrolled in a remote patient monitoring for hypertension management program for six weeks after delivery. Of these, 306 patients consented to data collection. Surveys were administered at 1, 3, and 6 weeks postpartum.
Key findings from this study include:
- At one week postpartum, 88% of respondents correctly identified a blood pressure greater than 160/110 as abnormal.
- At three weeks postpartum, 87.4% of respondents reported being “very” or “somewhat” likely to attend their postpartum follow-up visits because of the RPM program.
- At six weeks postpartum, 85.5% of respondents were “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the RPM program.
- No statistically significant differences in responses were found between races. This suggested that the RPM program was equally well-received across racial groups.
Findings showed that the majority of postpartum patients enrolled in the RPM program had correct knowledge about hypertension and were highly satisfied with the program. Moreover, the RPM program appeared to positively influence patients’ likelihood of attending postpartum follow-up visits, which is crucial for managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Understanding Research in Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertension Management
These studies provide new evidence for the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring for hypertension management in chronic and pregnancy-related contexts. These findings are significant because 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.
