Effects From Using a Hypertension Specific Mobile Phone Based Self-management Support System
U. Bengtsson1,4, K. Kjellgren1,2,4, I. Hallberg1,4, M. Lindwall3,4, C. Taft1,4
1University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sweden
2Linköping University, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
3University of Gothenburg, Department of Food and Nutrition and Sport Science, Department of Psychology
4University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sweden
Background A multi-module mobile phone self-management system for hypertension was developed. System components were derived in interviews with patients and providers and included modules for 1) wellbeing, blood pressure (BP)/pulse, lifestyle, medication and side effect self-reports; 2) reminders/encouragements; 3) feedback of relationships between self-report variables; 4) home-based BP device. We report on evaluations of self-report variables in relation to each other and on effectiveness of the system in reducing BP. Methods 50 primary care hypertensives (m=60 yrs, 48% female) self-reported daily during 8 weeks. Patients were interviewed about their experiences during and at the end of study. Findings A mean decrease in systolic BP of 4.9mmHg was observed between the first and last week. Patients regarded the self-management system usable and felt they had gained insight into relationships of wellbeing, BP, symptoms, medication, physical activity and stress, and a feeling of control over their BP in daily life. Discussion Seeing relationships between BP and self-report variables and feeling own control over the BP may have motivated patients to follow treatment recommendations.