Supporting the self-management of hypertension: Patients’ experiences of using a mobile phone-based system

Abstract

Globally, hypertension is poorly controlled and its treatment consists mainly of preventive behavior, adherence to treatment and risk-factor management. The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of an interactive mobile phone-based system designed to support the self-management of hypertension. Forty-nine patients were interviewed about their experiences of using the self-management system for 8 weeks regarding: (i) daily answers on self-report questions concerning lifestyle, well-being, symptoms, medication intake and side effects; (ii) results of home blood-pressure measurements; (iii) reminders and motivational messages; and (iv) access to a web-based platform for visualization of the self-reports. The audio-recorded interviews were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The patients considered the self-management system relevant for the follow-up of hypertension and found it easy to use, but some provided insight into issues for improvement. They felt that using the system offered benefits, for example, increasing their participation during follow-up consultations; they further perceived that it helped them gain understanding of the interplay between blood pressure and daily life, which resulted in increased motivation to follow treatment. Increased awareness of the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment may be a way to minimize the cardiovascular risks of hypertension.

Improving patient engagement in self-measured blood pressure monitoring using a mobile health technology

“…Effective blood pressure control mitigates these risks but requires diligent patient compliance and involvement in management. mHealth engagement strategies may help support patients in compliance and self-managing their treatment [10,11].…”

Patient perspectives on factors associated with enrollment and retention in chronic disease self-management programs: a systematic review

“…37 Enrollment in self-management interventions was also negatively influenced by patients' limited knowledge about the pathophysiology of their disease, possible benefits of participating in self-management, and understanding the best self-management behaviors for improving symptom management. 37,44,[46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] Additionally, patients were less likely to enroll and participate in self-management programs if the content and instructional methods were perceived as too complex or difficult to understand. Interestingly, patients living with cancer reported accessing patient education resources available both online and offline about their condition.…”

“…37,54 However, in two studies, patients living with COPD and hypertension reported several positive attitudes toward participating in self-management programs, including the opportunity to learn more about their condition. 50,52 Patients living with various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory conditions, and type 2 diabetes, reported not enrolling, because self-management programs would not teach them anything new and different from what they already learned from their general practitioner. 44,45 Some patients specifically believed that they would not benefit from self-management in any meaningful way as compared to medical or surgical intervention.…”

Adesão Ao Tratamento Medicamentoso E Capacidade Para O Autocuidado De Pacientes Com Hipertensão Arterial

“…Uma meta-análise realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE e Cochrane, com população de 1.978.919, identificou que 59% dos hipertensos aderem ao tratamento medicamentoso, destacando que a baixa adesão está associada ao baixo nível socioeconô-mico, existência de comorbidades e a necessidade de utilizar diversos medicamentos (9) . A presença da baixa adesão ao autocuidado, concomitante a uma alta adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso, condiz com a literatura em relação a ser mais fácil tomar alguns comprimidos diariamente do que mudar o estilo de vida (17) . Outro estudo com pacientes de 50 a 79 anos, também demonstrou que a maioria (59%) dos pacientes entrevistados tinha adesão ao tratamento farmacológico e associou esse resultado à frequência do paciente em consultas com a equipe de saúde, pelo menos uma vez ao ano, a não ingestão de bebidas alcóolicas e a infarto do miocárdio prévio (18) .…”