A program combining remote monitoring and pharmacist support improved blood pressure in 74% of patients whose blood pressure was previously resistant to treatment.
Researchers from Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger conducted the study and will present their findings at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Session 2024 in Chicago on Sept. 6, according to a news release from the AHA.
The program, called ConnectedCare365, enrolled 205 participants with an average age of 62 who were receiving care for kidney conditions and whose blood pressure was higher than 140/90 mmHg.
Patients' blood pressure was monitored remotely, with results automatically shared to physicians and pharmacists. Pharmacists would use the information and make adjustments to patient medication plans when necessary. Monitoring continued for six to 12 months between March 2022 and May 2024.
After monitored results were sent to a pharmacist, 46% of patients had a medication adjustment and 37% were prescribed a new medication entirely.
Researchers found 67% of patients were able to control their blood pressure (dropping it below 140/90 mmHg) within six months of starting the program, and 74% were able to achieve the same results by 12 months.