Mobile Health Program for Rural Hypertension

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Sep 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special health program designed to help people living in rural areas manage their high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems, and many people in rural communities face challenges in getting the care they need. The program involves participants using a home blood pressure monitor and receiving ongoing support and education about their health. Some participants will receive this full program with personalized coaching, while others will use a basic health app on their smartphone along with the blood pressure monitor.

To join the study, participants need to be between 65 and 74 years old, live in a rural area, and have a history of high blood pressure that isn't well controlled. They should also be comfortable speaking and understanding English. Participants can expect regular guidance on how to monitor and manage their blood pressure from the comfort of their homes. It's important to know that people with certain serious health conditions, such as recent heart failure or major surgery plans, won't be eligible to participate. This trial aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals dealing with hypertension in rural settings.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of uncontrolled hypertension, identified from the electronic health record problem list and an average systolic BP 140-199 or diastolic BP 90-119 mm Hg at 2 ambulatory visits, one of which is within 6 months of study entry
• • 2. Residence in one of 48 counties categorized as rural by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania;
• • 3. English-speaking at level appropriate for informed consent and study participation;
• • 4. No plans to relocate from the area within 12 months of enrollment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Heart failure necessitating hospital admission ≤3 months prior to study inclusion;
• • 2. Acute coronary syndrome (defined as at least 2 of the following: chest pain, ischemic electrocardiographic changes, or troponin ≥0.1 ng/mL) ≤3 months prior to study inclusion;
• • 3. Planned major surgery, cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular;
• • 4. Pregnancy or planned pregnancy within 12 months;
• • 5. Presence of non-cardiovascular conditions likely to be fatal within 12 months (e.g., cancer);
• • 6. Inability to comprehend the study protocol, defined by failing 3 times to answer correctly a set of questions during consent;
• • 7. Institutionalized status (e.g., nursing home, incarceration);
• • 8. Inability to operate a smartphone or HBPM device due to sensory or neurocognitive deficit.