Abstract
BackgroundHypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in older individuals. To ensure that blood pressure (BP) levels are within the optimal range, accurate BP monitoring is required. Contemporary hypertension clinical practice guidelines strongly endorse the use of home BP measurement as a preferred method of BP monitoring for individuals with hypertension. The benefits of home BP monitoring may be optimized when measurements are telemonitored to care providers; however, this may be challenging for older individuals with less technological capabilities.ObjectiveThe objective of this qualitative study was to examine the usability and acceptability of a home BP telemonitoring device among senior citizens.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Following a 1-week period of device use, individual, semistructured interviews were conducted. Interview audio recordings were anonymized, de-identified, and transcribed verbatim. We performed thematic analysis on interview transcripts.ResultsSeven senior citizens participated in the usability testing of the home BP telemonitoring device. Participants comprised females (n=4) and males (n=3) with a mean age of 86 years (range, 70-95 years). Overall, eight main themes were identified from the interviews: (1) positive features of the device; (2) difficulties or problems with the device; (3) device was simple to use; (4) comments about wireless capability and components; (5) would recommend device to someone else; (6) would use device in future; (7) suggestions for improving the device; and (8) assistance to use device. Additional subthemes were also identified.ConclusionsOverall, the home BP telemonitoring device had very good usability and acceptability among community-dwelling senior citizens with hypertension. To enhance its long-term use, few improvements were noted that may mitigate some of the relatively minor challenges encountered by the target population.
Highlights
Population aging is occurring in countries across the world at a rate that by 2050, nearly 25% of the global population is expected to be over the age of 60 years [1]
Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in older individuals [3,4], but senior citizens derive greater benefits from treatment of elevated blood pressure (BP) than younger patients [5,6]
To ensure that BP levels are within the optimal range, accurate BP monitoring is required
Summary
Population aging is occurring in countries across the world at a rate that by 2050, nearly 25% of the global population is expected to be over the age of 60 years [1]. Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in older individuals [3,4], but senior citizens derive greater benefits from treatment of elevated blood pressure (BP) than younger patients [5,6]. A meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 7037 patients) reported that home BP telemonitoring reduced BP by 5/3 mm Hg compared with usual care (P
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