An Integrative Multidisciplinary App Device for Healthcare Monitoring of Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension

Abstract

Objective: The most important cause of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is a poor adherence to healthy lifestyle and drug treatment. New technologies have provided tools for a better monitoring of the patient and an improvement of treatment adherence by educational and motivational issues. We aim to present a new approach for patient monitoring at home by a software application (APP) designed to run on a mobile device developed to improve BP control, healthy life style and medication adherence, and quality of life of patients with uncontrolled BP Design and method: The APP was developed by an interdisciplinary team including members of a company of artificial intelligence, doctors and other health professional (nutritionist, physical educator, and nurse) and the innovation department of the Hospital. Results: The APP (see figure) allows the insertion of BP values measured at home and the list of medications that the patient routinely uses, that can be done manually or by voice system, which is recognized when the patient verbally informs BP values or drugs on use. Also, the patient can interact with the system by answering questions automatically issued regarding physical activity and sodium intake. The APP has warning systems where, from certain information provided by the patient regarding BP values or symptoms, the nursing and/or medical team will contact the patient to provide the adequate management. The APP will be introduced in the outpatient clinic of the hospital and will be offered for the patients with uncontrolled BP despite drug treatment). Conclusions: The use of new technologies by APP can be introduced in the clinical practice to improve BP control and adherence to antihypertensive medications and healthy lifestyle providing a strong interaction between patients and healthcare team by distance monitoring. This approach could be extremely useful for underserved patients or during pandemic conditions