Effect of digital messaging on blood pressure control in general practice: observations from the BP@Home programme in wirral area

Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring (HBPM) is an established method for improved diagnosis and control of high BP. The BP@Home programme was launched in 2021 to support the use of HBPM. BP tele-messaging systems allow the digital transmission of HBPM readings back to healthcare providers, offering the potential to improve hypertension management. Aim of our study was to examine the enabling effect that implementing a new BP tele-messaging service had on hypertension metrics of an urban area. Through a new integrated BP text messaging system within GP platforms, practices from Wirral region, UK were able for the first time to contact their patients digitally to transmit their HBPM readings back to the practice. These readings were reviewed by the practice clinicians and patients received appropriate therapeutic recommendations. A total number of 10,010 patients were included in a 20-month period. The rate of HBPM per 1000 hypertensives ranged from 14.4-26.8 between different Primary Care Networks. BP control had been achieved in 64.3%. In linear regression analysis, use of HBPM was significantly associated with higher rates of new hypertension diagnosis [Beta coefficient (95% Confidence Interval (CI)): 0.11 (0.02-0.20), p = 0.021] and BP control [Beta coefficient (95% CI): 0.48 (0.40-0.56), p < 0.001]. In this community study using a BP tele-messaging implemented approach, system wide BP messaging was associated with an increase in new hypertension diagnoses and better control of hypertension. Future studies should focus on the role of digital BP messaging in reducing cardiovascular disease and improving clinical outcomes.