School-Based Telemedicine for Hypertension Management in Urban Adolescents

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine if hypertensive adolescents from impoverished neighborhoods in Rochester, New York have improved blood pressure (BP) control with the use of school-based telemedicine. MethodsAdolescents receiving antihypertensive medication had monthly study telemedicine visits at school. BP was measured by a telehealth clinical assistant (CTA) at the school using standard procedures, followed in real time by a teleconferencing visit with the study physician. ResultsSix participants were enrolled, and all completed school-based telemedicine visits prior to school closure due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Mean systolic and diastolic BP at baseline were 139 ± 5 and 75 ± 8 mmHg. All six participants had significant improvement in their blood pressure (final school mean BPs, 127 ± 4 and 67 ± 5 mmHg; systolic, baseline vs. final, p = .003). DiscussionIn this pilot study, adolescents with very high levels of neighborhood disadvantage had consistent adherence with school-based telemedicine and significant improvement in hypertension (HTN) control.