PHONE CALLS FOR IMPROVING BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN INDIA: FINDINGS FROM MUMBAI HYPERTENSION PROJECT

Abstract

Objective: Despite the availability of effective medication, blood pressure control rate is low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Adherence to medication and follow-up visits are important factors in blood pressure control. This study assessed the effectiveness of reminder telephone calls on follow-up visits and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients as part of the Mumbai Hypertension Project. This project was initiated by PATH with the support from Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) from January 2019 to February 2020. The study included hypertensive patients attending 164 private practitioners in Mumbai, India; practitioners screened all adults visiting clinic during the project period. Among 13184 hypertensive patients registered, the mean age was 53 years (SD = 12.38), 52% were female and 96% provided phone number. 9528 (72%) patients responded to a telephone call at least once during the study period. 82% of patients visited the clinic for follow-up visit within one month after receiving the phone call. The blood pressure control rate among those who answered phone calls and who did not answer phone calls increased from 21.0% to 44.3% (P < 0.001) and 22.8% to 48.8% (P < 0.001), respectively. The blood pressure control rate at follow-up was significantly associated with phone calls (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.34 - 1.71). The study demonstrates that follow up visits and telephone call intervention can improve patient retention in care and subsequently, blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending urban private-sector clinics in India.