Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Research Articles

Automated image transcription for perinatal blood pressure monitoring using mobile health technology.

This paper introduces a novel approach to address the challenges associated with transferring blood pressure (BP) data obtained from oscillometric devices used in self-measured BP monitoring systems to integrate this data into medical health records or a proxy database accessible by clinicians, particularly in low literacy populations. To this end, we developed an automated image transcription technique to effectively transcribe readings from BP devices, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and usability of BP data for monitoring and managing BP during pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly in low-resource settings and low-literate populations. In the designed study, the photos of the BP devices were captured as part of perinatal mobile health (mHealth) monitoring programs, conducted in four studies across two countries. The Guatemala Set 1 and Guatemala Set 2 datasets include the data captured by a cohort of 49 lay midwives from 1697 and 584 pregnant women carrying singletons in the second and third trimesters in rural Guatemala during routine screening. Additionally, we designed an mHealth system in Georgia for postpartum women to monitor and report their BP at home with 23 and 49 African American participants contributing to the Georgia I3 and Georgia IMPROVE projects, respectively. We developed a deep learning-based model which operates in two steps: LCD localization using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection model and digit recognition using a convolutional neural network-based model capable of recognizing multiple digits. We applied color correction and thresholding techniques to minimize the impact of reflection and artifacts. Three experiments were conducted based on the devices used for training the digit recognition model. Overall, our results demonstrate that the device-specific model with transfer learning and the device independent model outperformed the device-specific model without transfer learning. The mean absolute error (MAE) of image transcription on held-out test datasets using the device-independent digit recognition were 1.2 and 0.8 mmHg for systolic and diastolic BP in the Georgia IMPROVE and 0.9 and 0.5 mmHg in Guatemala Set 2 datasets. The MAE, far below the FDA recommendation of 5 mmHg, makes the proposed automatic image transcription model suitable for general use when used with appropriate low-error BP devices.

Abstract P318: English and Spanish-Speaking Patient Preferences on Home Blood Pressure Monitors: A Qualitative Study in an Urban Safety Net Setting

Background: Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring improves hypertension (HTN) control. Adoption of SMBP monitoring is lower among low-income or minoritized patients, who have higher rates of uncontrolled HTN. Little is known about these patients’ preferences for or challenges with SMBP monitoring. Objective: We explored patient perspectives on SMBP monitoring among patients receiving care at an urban safety-net system. Methods: We interviewed English and Spanish-speaking patients with HTN about preferences for different BP monitoring devices and their accompanying mobile apps, past experiences sharing BP data with their clinical care team, and knowledge about home BP monitoring. Interviews were conducted in the participants’ preferred language. We also asked participants to demonstrate a home BP measurement to evaluate their measurement technique. We presented two BP monitoring devices: a Bluetooth-enabled device and a cellular-enabled device. Rapid qualitative data analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Of the 15 participants (8 English-speaking; 7 Spanish-speaking), eight identified as Latine, four as Black or African American, one as American Indian/Native American, one as Asian/Pacific Islander, and one as multi-ethnic. Highest educational attainment varied: five less than high school, five high school/GED, and five college. Most required assistance with Bluetooth pairing to share data and navigating app features. All participants valued tracking their BP and were motivated to engage in SMBP monitoring but desired more training. Nearly all participants demonstrated inadequate BP knowledge and incorrect BP measurement techniques based on AHA/AMA recommendations. Few reported receiving training on SMBP monitoring techniques. Spanish speakers reported that using apps was challenging due to language discordance and wanted translated apps and resources. Costs related to device features were a key factor in preferences. Conclusions: Patient-reported barriers to SMBP adoption include cost, insufficient training, digital exclusion, and language discordance. Addressing these challenges may increase adoption of SMBP monitoring in safety-net populations. Clinicians should consider patients’ preferences when recommending SMBP monitoring. Cellular SMBP devices that automatically transmit BP readings may mitigate challenges with digital literacy and promote data sharing with clinical care teams, though future studies are needed to evaluate usability.

Abstract P404: Using Target: BP™ Initiative Resources and Awards To Improve Evidence-Based Practice Adoption And Blood Pressure Control

Target: BP™ is a national initiative created by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in 2017 in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Committed to advancing health equity, Target: BP supports health care organizations to improve blood pressure control by leveraging AHA guidelines and scientific statements and the AMA MAP ™ framework; assists health care organizations in their journeys to improve and sustain BP control with professional education and resources; and recognizes health care organizations annually with achievement awards. Target: BP recognizes organizations that commit to improvement, adopt evidence-based BP activities, and achieve BP control rates ≥70 percent, currently defined as SBP<140 and DBP<90 mmHg in CMS Controlling High Blood Pressure #236. Evidence-based BP activities include 1) calibrating BP measurement devices, 2) checking to see if devices are validated, 3) training and, 4) testing care team members in BP measurement every 6-12 months, 5) using a protocol to measure and confirm BP measurements, and 6) posting a positioning graphic (job aid) next to every place where BP is measured. Since adding evidence-based activity award criteria, self-attested achievement levels have improved from 2021 to 2023 for device calibration from 47.9% to 65.3%, for team training from 67.6% to 85.5%, for team testing from 67.0% to 86.2%, for measurement protocol use from 83.3% to 94.4%, and for job-aid posting from 54.8% to 69.6%. For each activity, Target: BP provides no-cost education and resources to help achieve the criteria. Overall participation has grown from 330 to 1806 organizations since 2017, now caring for 8.6 million patients with hypertension. In 2023, 866 organizations reported BP control rates ≥70 percent and 1489 reported the adoption of ≥4 of 6 evidence-based BP activities. Future expansion of the evidenced-based activity criteria will address treatment intensification, lifestyle risk factors, self-measured blood pressure monitoring, and equitable health outcomes. In a 2023 survey of participating organizations, 85.2% of 230 respondents reported “improving patient outcomes” as their primary reason for participating in Target: BP. Among respondents, 95.7% agree or strongly agree that expanded criteria will help to focus QI priorities. Award incentives appear to play a positive role in encouraging organizations to adopt evidence-based practices and improve blood pressure control.

Abstract P405: Integrating Self-Measured Blood Pressure Device Data Into Electronic Health Records – Barriers And Solutions

Introduction: Despite clinical evidence supporting the use of self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP)in improving blood pressure control, the infrastructure to enable data transfer from device to electronic health record (EHR) is complicated by policy, interoperability, and operational challenges. The National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI) engaged 350 HRSA-funded federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to improve blood pressure control leveraging SMBP devices and integrating SMBP data into EHRs. Hypothesis/Aims: FQHCs could integrate SMBP device data into their EHR with financial support and training and technical assistance (T/TA). Methods: T/TA was provided through a curriculum to support technology infrastructure self-assessment, explore effective integration options, and implement solutions. Additionally, FQHCs were offered 1:1 consultations and EHR-specific guidance documents. Results: More than half (52%) of responding FQHCs reported moving through all stages of planning, preparing, piloting, scaling, and evaluating their SMBP program during the 3-year grant, while 30% reached the scaling stage. Ultimately, 27% reported full data integration and 51% reported partial integration of SMBP device data into their EHR, while 4-12% reported no to minimal integration, respectively. Based on the five most used EHRs, numerous integrations were identified with five validated SMBP devices. Successful integration strategies included upgrading to the latest EHR version, choosing SMBP devices with verified EHR integration, utilizing EHRs with patient portal apps, and engaging with remote patient monitoring (RPM) services for pre-established integrations. Third-party integration engines emerged as complex and expensive solutions. Challenges included costly or time-consuming EHR upgrades, SMBP device purchases without prior SMBP integration assessment, limitations posed by non-cloud based EHRs or EHRs without patient portals, ability to sustain RPM subscription costs, and limited information technology expertise. Conclusion: SMBP device data can be integrated into EHRs, but the complexity, costs, and sustainability vary significantly. Several viable integration strategies with common EHRs and validated SMBP devices were verified. As the technology landscape evolves rapidly, the underlying need for education, strategic technology planning, and vendor collaboration remains.

Adoption of self-measured blood pressure monitoring in underserved communities: Program evaluation in primary care.

Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring is crucial for hypertension management, yet its adoption, particularly among disadvantaged populations, remains low. 'Love Your Heart' is a quality improvement program providing free standard SMBP devices to hypertensive patients, aiming to enhance adoption and assess its impact on blood pressure control. This study evaluates the 'Love Your Heart' program's implementation success through assessing adoption rates and exploring changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) among participants. We aim to understand factors influencing adoption and potential benefits of SMBP monitoring in a diverse, socially disadvantaged patient population. We retrospectively evaluated the 'Love Your Heart' program using electronic health records (EHR) at a primary care site in Chicago. Adult patients with hypertension were enroled in the 6-month program, which included education sessions and free SMBP devices. Adoption was measured by participation in program components, and changes in SBP were analysed based on adoption status. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS software, adhering to STROBE reporting guidelines. Of 621 eligible patients, 104 participated, with 83 included in the evaluation. Despite all participants receiving free SMBP devices, adoption rates were modest, with only 7% sharing readings with the care team. However, patients who received device instructions demonstrated greater decreases in SBP compared to those who did not. Although not statistically significant, clinically meaningful decreases in SBP were observed among adopters. The 'Love Your Heart' program highlights the challenges of promoting SMBP monitoring among disadvantaged patient populations. While providing free devices addresses access barriers, low reporting to the care team suggests the need for further support mechanisms. Future research should explore strategies to enhance SMBP adoption and integration into clinical care, particularly in settings lacking automated data transmission systems.

Assessment of blood pressure variability: characteristics and comparison of blood pressure measurement methods.

Previous studies have reported that blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events independent of blood pressure (BP) levels. While there is little evidence from intervention trials examining whether suppressing BPV is useful in preventing cardiovascular disease, it is suggested that detection of abnormally elevated BPV may be useful in reducing cardiovascular events adding by complementing management of appropriate BP levels. Cuffless BP devices can assess beat-to-beat BPV. Although cuffless BP monitoring devices have measurement accuracy issues that need to be resolved, this is an area of research where the evidence is accumulating rapidly, with many publications on beat-to-beat BPV over several decades. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) can assess 24-hour BPV and nocturnal dipping patterns. Day-to-day BPV and visit-to-visit BPV are assessed by self-measured BP monitoring at home and office BP measurement, respectively. 24 h, day-to-day, and visit-to-visit BPV have been reported to be associated with cardiovascular prognosis. Although there have been several studies comparing whether ABPM and self-measured BP monitoring at home is the superior measurement method of BPV, no strong evidence has been accumulated that indicates whether ABPM or self-measured home BP is superior. ABPM and self-measured BP monitoring have their own advantages and complement each other in the assessment of BPV.

Implementing Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring With Clinical Support: A Qualitative Study of Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) with clinical support is effective at reducing blood pressure for people with hypertension. Although strengths and challenges around SMBP are well-documented, few studies describe the complexities of real-world implementation of SMBP with clinical support in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting. Between 2019 and 2023, the Ohio Department of Health funded the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers to manage a multiyear quality improvement (QI) project with 21 FQHCs. The project aimed to improve the identification and management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and prediabetes. This study focuses on the activities implemented to provide SMBP support to patients with hypertension. FQHCs implemented clinical SMBP support using multiple roles, approaches, and resources. FQHCs established a process to identify patients eligible for SMBP support, provide blood pressure monitors, train patients on SMBP, track blood pressure readings, follow up with patients, and connect patients to resources. External evaluators interviewed 13 staff members within seven FQHCs from the QI project. Interviewed FQHCs were located across Ohio and represented urban, rural, suburban, and Appalachian areas. Clinical activities to support SMBP, facilitators, and barriers were identified with thematic analysis. The National Association of Community Health Centers SMBP Implementation Toolkit was used as a framework to assess SMBP activities. Facilitators included team-based care, health information technology capacity, funding for blood pressure monitors and staff time, leadership and staff support, and external support. Barriers included technology challenges, staffing shortages, low patient engagement, sustainability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study demonstrates how FQHCs can use a variety of staff, processes, and resources to implement clinical SMBP support across a range of geographic regions. To facilitate this, FQHCs and patients may need more comprehensive insurance coverage of blood pressure monitors, reimbursement for staff time, and technology support.

Relationships of Office, Ambulatory, and Self-measured Blood Pressure With Cardiac, Renal, and Atherosclerotic Biomarkers.

Previous studies with several limitations have comparatively analyzed the relationship between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and self-measured BP and biomarkers of organ damage. This study extends this line of research by examining the relationship between ambulatory and self-measured BP and cardiac, renal, and atherosclerotic biomarkers in outpatients at cardiovascular risk. In 1,440 practice outpatients who underwent office, ambulatory, and self-measured BP monitoring, we assessed the relationships of each BP with organ damage biomarkers including b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiographic left ventricular mass index (LVMI), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). In the comparison of correlation, self-measured systolic BP (SBP) was more strongly correlated to log-transformed (Ln) BNP (n = 1,435; r = 0.123 vs. r = -0.093, P < 0.001), LVMI (n = 1,278; r = 0.223 vs. r = 0.094, P < 0.001), Ln-UACR (n = 1,435; r = 0.244 vs. r = 0.154, P = 0.010), and baPWV (n = 1,360; r = 0.327 vs. r = 0.115, P < 0.001) than daytime ambulatory SBP. In the linear regression models including office, ambulatory, and self-measured SBP, only self-measured SBP was significantly related to Ln-BNP (P = 0.016) and LVMI (P < 0.001). In the logistic regression models for the top quartile of LVMI, adding self-measured SBP improved the model predictability (P = 0.027), but adding daytime ambulatory SBP did not. However, adding daytime ambulatory SBP improved the model predictability in the logistic model for the top quartile of baPWV including office and self-measured SBP (P = 0.030). Our study findings suggested that self-measured BP was associated with cardiac biomarkers independent of ambulatory BP.

Engagement in mHealth-Prompted Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Participants Recruited From a Safety-Net Emergency Department: Secondary Analysis of the Reach Out Trial.

Hypertension, a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent among Black and low-income individuals. To address this health disparity, leveraging safety-net emergency departments for scalable mobile health (mHealth) interventions, specifically using text messaging for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, presents a promising strategy. This study investigates patterns of engagement, associated factors, and the impact of engagement on lowering blood pressure (BP) in an underserved population. We aimed to identify patterns of engagement with prompted SMBP monitoring with feedback, factors associated with engagement, and the association of engagement with lowered BP. This is a secondary analysis of data from Reach Out, an mHealth, factorial trial among 488 hypertensive patients recruited from a safety-net emergency department in Flint, Michigan. Reach Out participants were randomized to weekly or daily text message prompts to measure their BP and text in their responses. Engagement was defined as a BP response to the prompt. The k-means clustering algorithm and visualization were used to determine the pattern of SMBP engagement by SMBP prompt frequency-weekly or daily. BP was remotely measured at 12 months. For each prompt frequency group, logistic regression models were used to assess the univariate association of demographics, access to care, and comorbidities with high engagement. We then used linear mixed-effects models to explore the association between engagement and systolic BP at 12 months, estimated using average marginal effects. For both SMBP prompt groups, the optimal number of engagement clusters was 2, which we defined as high and low engagement. Of the 241 weekly participants, 189 (78.4%) were low (response rate: mean 20%, SD 23.4) engagers, and 52 (21.6%) were high (response rate: mean 86%, SD 14.7) engagers. Of the 247 daily participants, 221 (89.5%) were low engagers (response rate: mean 9%, SD 12.2), and 26 (10.5%) were high (response rate: mean 67%, SD 8.7) engagers. Among weekly participants, those who were older (>65 years of age), attended some college (vs no college), married or lived with someone, had Medicare (vs Medicaid), were under the care of a primary care doctor, and took antihypertensive medication in the last 6 months had higher odds of high engagement. Participants who lacked transportation to appointments had lower odds of high engagement. In both prompt frequency groups, participants who were high engagers had a greater decline in BP compared to low engagers. Participants randomized to weekly SMBP monitoring prompts responded more frequently overall and were more likely to be classed as high engagers compared to participants who received daily prompts. High engagement was associated with a larger decrease in BP. New strategies to encourage engagement are needed for participants with lower access to care.

Abstract P324: Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Hypertension Control in Community Health Centers

Introduction: About 47% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (BP), a contributing factor to major adverse health conditions including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Hypertension has also been linked to worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection, resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and death. In 2021, the AHA launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI) in 350 community health centers (CHCs). The 3-year initiative aimed to improve BP control and COVID-19 outcomes through training and technical assistance (T/TA) in CHCs with systematic, multi-sector, culturally sensitive and evidence-based interventions, including self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring. We hypothesize that T/TA with guideline-directed and evidence-based systematic processes can improve BP control in CHCs. Methods: The initiative included complementary components: patient and public education, community outreach and integration, health care professional and organization training, and project management and evaluation. Year one focused on laying a foundation of BP control fundamentals to strengthen knowledge and skills with webinars, office hours, tools, and resources. Years two and three reinforced key concepts, introduced new resources, and provided 1:1 support to CHCs, informed by ongoing evaluation. The adoption of systematic processes with evidence-based and guideline-directed practices were encouraged in CHCs. Recognizing potential differences across CHCs, several T/TA methods were deployed during phases of the initiative in anticipation of evolving CHC needs and readiness. The methods for T/TA include providing a core educational curriculum, developing and distributing customized CHC reports with individualized data, using new and existing resources, including a BP measurement policy and procedure and a BP treatment algorithm, and evaluating methods and practice findings. Early Results: Based on UDS data, overall, BP control rates increased in NHCI CHCs from 51.3% to 57.6% (as defined by the performance measure &lt;140/90 mm Hg), demonstrating a 6.3% absolute increase and a 12.3% relative increase from 2020 to 2022. This is compared to all HRSA CHCs, where BP control rates increased from 58.0% to 63.4%, demonstrating a 5.4% absolute increase and a 9.3% relative increase from 2020 to 2022. While all NHCI CHCs started with BP control rates less than 58.9%, some health centers have demonstrated control rates higher than 70%. Discussion: T/TA with guideline-directed and evidence-based systematic processes may have contributed to increased BP control rates in CHCs. The degree of CHC progress may have been influenced by challenges and limitations, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participation, clinical leadership engagement, CHC team staffing turnover, and technology interoperability.

Changes in Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Use in 14 States From 2019 to 2021: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is an important out-of-office resource that is effective in improving hypertension control. Changes in SMBP use during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been described previously. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were used to quantify changes in SMBP use between 2019 (prior COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Fourteen states administered the SMBP module in both years. All data were self-reported from adults who participated in the BRFSS survey. We assessed the receipt of SMBP recommendations from healthcare professionals and actual use of SMBP among those with hypertension (n = 68,820). Among those who used SMBP, we assessed SMBP use at home and sharing BP readings electronically with healthcare professionals. Among adults with hypertension, there was no significant changes between 2019 and 2021 in those reporting SMBP use (57.0% vs. 55.7%) or receiving recommendations from healthcare professionals to use SMBP (66.4% vs. 66.8%). However, among those who used SMBP, there were significant increases in use at home (87.7% vs. 93.5%) and sharing BP readings electronically (8.6% vs. 13.1%) from 2019 to 2021. Differences were noted by demographic characteristics and residence state. Receiving a recommendation from the healthcare provider to use SMBP and actual use did not differ before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, among those who used SMBP, home use and sharing BP readings electronically with healthcare professional increased significantly, although overall sharing remained low (13.1%). Maximizing advances in virtual connections between clinical and community settings should be leveraged for improved hypertension management.

Determinants of Bluetooth-Enabled Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

In 2021, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative (HTN Initiative) with the goal to enhance HTN control through Bluetooth-enabled self-measured blood pressure (BT-SMBP) monitoring and use this data to inform clinical decisions in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with a large proportion of their population with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). We sought to understand the experience of Michigan-based FQHCs in implementing the HTN initiative. Staff from three Michigan-based FQHCs were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews from September to November 2022. Interviews were conducted in-person and were based on the Tailored Implementation in Chronic Diseases framework. Content analysis was performed by three coders. Ten staff participated in interviews (FQHC 1: n = 6, FQHC 2: n = 1, FQHC 3: n = 3). The FQHCs differed in their stage of implementation and their approach. FQHC 1 created a large-scale, community health worker driven program, FQHC 2 created a small-scale, short term, BP device loan program, and FQHC 3 created a primarily outsourced, large-scale program through a contracted partner. Positive staff attitudes and outcome expectations, previous experience with SMBP grants, supportive clinic leadership, social support, and free BP cuff resources were identified as facilitators to implementation. Patients' high social needs, SMBP-related Technology, and insufficient workforce and staff capacity were identified as barriers. BT-SMBP among FQHC patients is promising but challenges in integrating SMBP data into clinic workflow, workforce capacity to support the high social needs of participants, and to assist in reacting to the more frequent BP data remain to be overcome.

PENGARUH TELEHEALTH TERHADAP PENGENDALIAN TEKANAN DARAH

Hypertension is a chronic condition that attacks adults of all ages. Having an effective method or way to manage this condition is the key to successful treatment of hypertension. The design of this research is a cohort study that examines data on hypertensive patients obtained from health service databases. The research took place in October until December 2021. The inclusion criteria in this study were adults (≥45 years) with prehypertension and hypertension, residing in rural areas. An assessment was carried out on respondents who could access the telehealth application at home, and it was validated for monitoring blood pressure using mobile phone or other device with an internet connection that allows monitoring from the respondent's home and telehealth services. Respondents were asked to fill in the results of blood pressure measurements. Based on the results, 55 respondents (100%) carried out data collection. Linear regression analysis found an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 19.2 mmHg. Respondents in the decreasing systolic blood pressure group had a higher frequency of self-measured blood pressure monitoring (OR = 0.85; 95% CI= 0.81 - 0.89; p = 0.002) than other patients. The use of telehealth at home combined with care management by health workers is considered effective in improving blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Community Health Center Clinicians.

The early period of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid increase in out-of-office care. To capture the impact from COVID-19 on care for patients with hypertension, a questionnaire was disseminated to community health center clinicians. The extent, types, and causes of care delays and disruptions were assessed along with adaptations and innovations used to address them. Clinician attitudinal changes and perspectives on future hypertension care were also assessed. Of the 65 respondents, most (90.8%) reported their patients with hypertension experienced care delays or disruptions, including lack of follow-up, lack of blood pressure assessment, and missed medication refills or orders. To address care delays and disruptions for patients with hypertension, respondents indicated that their health center increased the use of telehealth or other technology, made home blood pressure devices available to patients, expanded outreach and care coordination, provided medication refills for longer periods of time, and used new care delivery options. The use of self-measured blood pressure monitoring (58.5%) and telehealth (43.1%) was identified as the top adaptations that should be sustained to increase access to and patient engagement with hypertension care; however, barriers to both remain. Policy and system level changes are needed to support value-based care models that include self-measured blood pressure and telehealth.

Comparison of Home and Office Blood Pressure Devices in the Clinical Setting.

Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring is increasingly used for remote hypertension management, but the real-world performance of home blood pressure (BP) devices is unknown. We examined BP measurements from patients' home devices using the American Medical Association's (AMA) SMBP Device Accuracy Test tool. Patients at a single internal medicine clinic underwent up to five seated, same-arm BP readings using a home device and an automated BP device (Omron HEM-907XL). Following the AMA's three-step protocol, we used the patient's home device for the first, second, and fourth measurements and the office device for the third and fifth (if needed) measurements. Device agreement failure was defined as an absolute difference in systolic BP >10 mm Hg between the home and office devices in either of two confirmatory steps. Performance was examined by brand (Omron vs. non-Omron). Moreover, we examined patient factors associated with agreement failure via logistic regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics. We evaluated 152 patients (mean age 60 ± 15 years, 58% women, 31% Black) seen between October 2020 and November 2021. Device agreement failure occurred in 22.4% (95% CI: 16.4%, 29.7%) of devices tested, including 19.1% among Omron devices and 27.6% among non-Omron devices (P = 0.23). No patient characteristics were associated with agreement failure. Over one-fifth of home devices did not agree based on the AMA SMBP device accuracy protocol. These findings confirm the importance of office-based device comparisons to ensure the accuracy of home BP monitoring.

Barriers and facilitators to self-measured blood pressure monitoring among US-resettled Arab refugees with hypertension: a qualitative study

BackgroundMinoritized communities including refugees are at an increased risk of poorly controlled hypertension. Evidence indicates that self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is an effective method to improve blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. However, it has not been studied among refugee populations. The objective of this study is to examine barriers and facilitators to SMBP among Arab refugees resettled in the United States (US) with diagnosed hypertension.MethodsA total of 109 participants were recruited through a Federally Qualified Health Center system that is a major provider of healthcare to refugees in San Diego, California. Participants completed a questionnaire and were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and translated, and data were coded using inductive thematic analysis and organized based on the theory of care-seeking behavior.ResultsSeveral barriers to engaging in effective SMBP monitoring were identified. Clinical and sociodemographic barriers included reliance on public monitors and poor hypertension literacy. Psychosocial barriers of affect, norms, and habits included fear and anxiety from hypertension, cultural stigma of illness, and conditional SMBP with symptoms, respectively. Utility psychosocial barriers included lack of SMBP prioritization in treatment and perceived inaccuracy of home monitors. Family members’ support with home monitoring served as an important facilitator to SMBP.ConclusionsThere are several barriers to effective SMBP among the US-resettled Arab refugee population that may reflect unique cultural and care-seeking behaviors. Tailored public health and clinical interventions are needed to support refugee patients and providers to improve hypertension self-management behaviors for this unique population.

Abstract 18538: Results of a Self-Management Intervention to Improve Hypertension in Black Patients Using the Electronic Health Record Patient Portal

Introduction: Nearly half of American adults (47%) have hypertension (HTN), and non-Hispanic Black patients are disproportionately represented among those diagnosed (56% versus 48% for White, 46% for Asian, and 39% Hispanic adults). Models of care to reduce blood pressure for the Black patient population are not consistently implemented, in large part due to systemic and structural barriers to care. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to improve access to and use of digital education, skills for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, use of the electronic health record (EHR) patient portal, and blood pressure from baseline to 3 months in a cohort of Black Americans. Methods: A pre-post intervention design was used to evaluate the team-based, nurse-led intervention. Patients received coaching on HTN goals, screening for social determinants of health (SDOH), medication review, self-paced portal-based videos, and teach-back for BP cuff use. Post-implementation blood pressure (BP) and self-management (knowledge, cuff-use, patient portal use, and attendance at follow-up) were measured using the HELM tool, Chronic Care Model (CCM) and American Heart Association (AHA) HTN toolkit. 12-month follow-up is ongoing. Results: Black participants (n=80) averaged 59 (SD 10) years of age; most were female (n=58, 73%), employed (n=59, 75%), non-smokers (n=66, 84%), with average BMI 34.5 (SD8). From 0-3-months, views of portal-pushed videos increased to 69%, knowledge scores improved pre- (M = 67.9, SD = 16.7 to post (M = 75.2, SD = 17.4), and mean systolic BP was significantly reduced by 20.3mmHg (95%CI 16.11, 24.44). Average systolic BP pre was 152.13 (SD = 16.87) and post was 131.85 (SD = 13.13), t (79) = 9.71, p&lt; .001. Sustainability at 12-months is ongoing. Conclusions: A team-based, nurse-led model improves patient engagement, adoption of portal-prescribed education, skills for SMBP, EHR-reported BP, and visit follow-up for Black patients with uncontrolled BP.

Exploring the Acceptability and Feasibility of Remote Blood Pressure Measurements and Cognition Assessments Among Participants Recruited From a Safety-Net Emergency Department (Reach Out Cognition): Nonrandomized Mobile Health Trial.

Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor disproportionately affecting Black Americans, who also experience a higher incidence of Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer disease-related dementias. Monitoring blood pressure (BP) and cognition may be important strategies in reducing these disparities. The objective of the Reach Out Cognition study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of remote cognitive and BP assessments in a predominantly Black, low-income population. Reach Out was a randomized, controlled, mobile health-based clinical trial to reduce BP among patients with hypertension at an emergency department in a safety-net hospital (ie, a US hospital in which 25% of the patients are Medicaid recipients). Upon conclusion of Reach Out, participants were given the option of continuing into an extension phase, Reach Out Cognition, that included Bluetooth-enabled BP monitoring and digital cognitive assessments for 6 months. Digital cognitive assessments were text message-linked online surveys of the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam and Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders scale. BP assessments were measured with Bluetooth-enabled BP cuffs paired with an app and the data were manually sent to the research team. Outcomes were feasibility (ie, enrollment and 3- and 6-month completion of digital cognitive and BP assessments) and acceptability of assessments using a 4-item validated survey, ranging from 1 (not acceptable) to 5 (completely acceptable). Of the 211 Reach Out participants, 107 (50.7%) consented and 71 (33.6%) completed enrollment in Reach Out Cognition. Participants had a mean age of 49.9 years; 70.4% were female and 57.8% identified as Black. Among the 71 participants, 51 (72%) completed cognitive assessments at 3 months and 34 (48%) completed these assessments at 6 months. BP assessments were completed by 37 (52%) and 20 (28%) of the 71 participants at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Participants were neutral on the acceptability of the digital cognitive assessments (mean 3.7) and Bluetooth self-measured BP (SMBP) monitoring (mean 3.9). Participants noted challenges syncing the BP cuff to the app, internet connection, and transmitting the data to the research team. Enrollment and assessment completion were low, while acceptability was moderate. Technological advances will eliminate some of the Bluetooth SMBP barriers and offer new strategies for cognitive assessments. Subsequent studies could benefit from offering more comprehensive support to overcome Bluetooth-related hurdles, such as personalized training materials, video conferencing, or in-person research team support. Alternatively, strategies that do not require pairing with an app and passive transmission of data could be considered. Overall, further research is warranted to optimize participant engagement and overcome technological challenges. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03422718; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03422718.

Target:BP: A National Initiative to Improve Blood Pressure Control.

BP is a national initiative launched by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in 2017 in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in the United States. BP provides support to health care organizations and health care teams, with no user fees, to improve the quality of care for adults with hypertension by providing education and resources and recognizing organizations committed to prioritizing and reporting their rate of BP control. Through Target:BP, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association also collaborate to align policy with evidence through federal, state, and institutional policy advocacy and raise public awareness through media campaigns. In 2022, Target:BP recognized 1309 health care organizations serving 8.4 million patients with hypertension for prioritizing BP control, 675 of which affirmed performance of evidence-based BP measurement activities and 551 of which reported BP control rates ≥70%. With the proportion of US adults with controlled BP falling to 48.2% from 2017 to 2020, Target:BP remains focused on regaining lost ground in national BP control rates by emphasizing accurate BP measurement, rapid treatment intensification, healthful lifestyle changes, and evidence-based use of self-measured BP monitoring. BP also emphasizes adoption of team-based care models and prioritizing equitable health outcomes. More than 1.37 million unique users have visited https://targetbp.org/ and downloaded 98 341 Target:BP resources from 2017 to 2022.

Evaluation of self-measured blood pressure monitoring in a southern rural West Virginia health system.

At the time of the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, an estimated 32.3% of adults in the US and nearly half (43.4%, 776 000) of adults in West Virginia (WV) had hypertension. Further, the Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke estimates an increase in the percentage of adults with hypertension in the US from 32.3% to 47.0%, with hypertension rates in WV rising as high as 58.7%, indicating a significant public health concern in the community. Hypertension increases the risk of several negative health outcomes, including heart disease and stroke, and leads to increased economic and chronic disease burden. Although certain unmodifiable factors (sex, age, race, ethnicity, and family history) increase the risk of developing hypertension, a healthy lifestyle - including a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding nicotine products, and participating in regular moderate physical activity - can decrease the risk of developing hypertension. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, or home BP monitoring, when integrated with a provider's clinical management approach, is linked to improvements in BP management and control. This study represents a mid-point assessment of a remote SMBP monitoring program implemented by Cabin Creek Health Systems (CCHS), a federally qualified health center, and its impact on BP control. CCHS implemented SMBP programming in March 2020 as one element of a developing comprehensive program aimed at reducing uncontrolled hypertension, and therefore chronic disease burden, in its service area and patient population. The project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, continued to February 2023. This report represents a mid-point analysis and was based on the retrospective analysis of de-identified data collected for 234 patients to June 2022, who were assessed for changes in BP between the date of enrollment and the most recently available BP measurement. Patients were enrolled in the SMBP program if they exhibited current or previous indicators of uncontrolled hypertension (systolic &ge;140 mmHg and/or diastolic &ge;90 mmHg), at the discretion of their provider, and were equipped with an iBloodPressure cellular connected home BP monitoring system, manufactured by Smart Meter. Their BP readings were documented in the integration software TimeDoc Health and electronic health record athenahealth. At the time of enrollment, 201 (86.0%) patients had uncontrolled hypertension, with 116 (49.6%) patients having both uncontrolled systolic (&ge;140 mmHg) and diastolic (&ge;90 mmHg) values. At follow-up, the number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension decreased from 201 to 98 (41.9%), with only 36 (15.4%) patients having both uncontrolled systolic and diastolic values. Additionally, 26 (11.1%) patients were in hypertensive crisis at the time of enrollment, and no patients remained in crisis at the time of follow-up. The number of patients with BP values in the controlled range (systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic <90 mmHg) increased from 33 (14.1%) at enrollment to 136 (58.1%) at follow-up. Overall, there was a 44.0% increase in the number of patients with BP values in the controlled range at follow-up, and a concomitant 44.1% decrease in the number of patients in the uncontrolled range. These observations were consistent across multiple demographic indicators, including clinic location, three-digit zip code, and patient sex. Systematic implementation of remote BP monitoring, when integrated into clinician workflows, was associated with a substantial reduction in the number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension in this rural federally qualified health center. Further, CCHS was successful in implementing a remote SMBP monitoring program in a community challenged with transportation insecurity, and poor cellular and broadband access, of which lessons learned are applicable to other health systems interested in pursuing comparable efforts.