Comparative effectiveness of remote and standard outpatient monitoring in achieving hypertension control
TL;DR
Remote BP monitoring using a chatbot and physician feedback is an effective tool for reducing SBP and achieving control in patients with HTN, as evidenced by significant changes in SBP and high patient compliance with RM.
Abstract
Aim . To compare the effectiveness of remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring using a chatbot with physician feedback in achieving and controlling BP in hypertensive (HTN) patients versus standard outpatient monitoring. Material and methods . The study included 80 patients randomized into two following groups: a remote monitoring (RM) group using a chatbot (n=40) and a control group (n=40). The primary endpoint was achievement of target systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) control after 3 months. Regular questionnaire completion and symptomatic HTN episodes were also assessed. Results . The median age in the RM group was 68 [66; 70] years, while in the control group — 69,50 [66,75; 73]. The proportion of men was 43% in both groups. In the RM group, three subjects withdrew from the study voluntarily. In the RM group, a significant decrease in SBP was recorded after 3 months (p<0,001). In the control group, the decrease in SBP after 3 months was not significant (p=0,072). An increase in SBP >140 mm Hg was equally common in both groups over the entire follow-up period — 18 (45%) versus 18 patients (45%) (p=0,749). After 3 months, DBP levels significantly decreased in both groups (RM group, p=0,038; control group, p<0,001). In the RM group, HTN control was achieved in 35 patients (94,6%) compared to 29 patients (72,5%) in the control group (p=0,014). The average chatbot completion rate was 81%. Conclusion . Remote BP monitoring using a chatbot and physician feedback is an effective tool for reducing SBP and achieving control in patients with HTN, as evidenced by significant changes in SBP and high patient compliance with RM.