Use of mHealth application in improving blood pressure control and adherence to therapy in patients with newly diagnosed arterial hypertension in North Macedonia

Sashka Janevska, Katerina Kovachevikj, Marta Tundzeva, Azra Gicich, Katarina Stavrikj, Biljana Gerasimovska Kitanovska

Keywords: telemonitoring, mHealth application, arterial hypertension, self-monitoring

Background:

Arterial hypertension is a global public health problem and a leading cause of total morbidity and mortality. The use of telemonitoring opens up new possibilities for close monitoring of patients with HTA through self-monitoring of BP values at home and fast transfer to family physicians.

Research questions:

Will the use of a mHealth application in newly diagnosed patients with arterial hypertension improve blood pressure control and adherence to therapy compared to newly diagnosed patients with arterial hypertension with a standard care protocol?

Method:

A prospective randomized multicenter controlled study with a 12-month follow-up in North Macedonia. 200 patients from entire territory of North Macedonia will be covered according to: Inclusion criteria- newly diagnosed patients with HTA, aged 35-70 years. Exclusion criteria- patients with heart failure, chronic renal or hepatic insufficiency, cancers, secondary hypertension, pregnancy, cognitive diseases and patients without signed informed consent. Randomization: 10 family doctors will randomly randomize 100 patients to the intervention (standard care + mHealth application) and 10 family doctors will randomize 100 patients to the control group (standard care). Omron M2 clinically validated upper arm blood pressure monitors will be provided for the patients involved.

Results:

The primary objective of the study is to assess the effect of using mHealth application in improving BP control and therapy adherence in patients with newly diagnosed HTA in NR Macedonia.

Conclusions:

Using the mHealth application is expected to improve CP control and better adherence to therapy in patients with newly diagnosed HTA.

Points for discussion:

Is the use of an mhealth application a reliable and effective way of monitoring patients with newly diagnosed HTA?

Does the use of an mhealth application have a positive effect on patient motivation in following HTA or can it cause a new type of technology addiction?