Effects From Using a Hypertension Specific Mobile Phone Based Self-management Support System

Abstract

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.