Hypertension patients more likely to be proactive with web-based care

When Web-based healthcare first came on the scene, there were widespread concerns that reduced one-on-one contact with physicians could have a negative impact on a patient's progress. However, a new study has found that previous concerns are unwarranted, at least for hypertension patients.

According to the results of the Electronic Communications and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (e-BP) trial, patients with hypertension are actually more engaged and as satisfied with their web-based care despite less face-to-face contact with their physicians. Specifically, the e-BP trial reported that the Seattle-based nonprofit health system, Group Health Cooperative, found that its patients' blood pressure actually improved when they monitored it from home and received web-based pharmacist care.

The e-BP trial tested two interventions against standard care. Both groups were offered home blood pressuring monitoring and training on its use, along with secured access to a Group Health patient web site that provided such online services as the ability to send emails to their physician, refill prescriptions, request appointments, obtain test results, and find health information. One group was assigned a pharmacist to manage their care - the other group was not. Those receiving home BP monitoring plus web-based pharmacy care had a net reduction in systolic BP of 9 mm Hg and diastolic BP of 3.5 mm Hg compared to usual care (P <0.001) and were 25 percent more likely to have controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mm Hg; P <0.001). Patient satisfaction levels remained the same, although patients in the pharmacy group were shown to be more likely to correspond via email to their healthcare team. The findings were presented at the American Society of Hypertension's 24^th Annual Scientific Meeting.

"We have known for a while that a key factor in improving treatment outcomes involves encouraging patients to actively participate in their own care," says lead author Beverly B. Green, M.D., MPH, a family doctor and researcher at Group Health. "However, this study was the first to reveal that connecting patients and pharmacists through a shared electronic medical record over the web helps people with high blood pressure take a more proactive approach to their treatment and may account for their improved health outcomes."  And adds Dr. Henry Black, M.D., president, American Society of Hypertension, "An updated approach has long been needed to help patients and clinicians better collaborate to reach treatment goals. This study confirms the importance of combining patient education, access to home blood pressure monitoring devices and a pharmacist's counsel to help improve blood pressure control and satisfaction with their care. It brings us closer to a new era of care for patients and physicians alike."

News Release: Patients satisfied with going online to get blood pressure in line www.newswise.com   May 5, 2009