PERSON-CENTREDNESS IN HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PERHIT): A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

OBJECTIVE: Few studies address results from use of new technology and patient participation in hypertension management. The PERHIT Study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial with the aim to evaluate the effects of a person-centred approach using a web-based, interactive self-management system through the patient´s own mobile phone on blood-pressure and well-being. Primary aim is the degree of achieved blood pressure (BP) control after eight weeks and one year. In addition, person-centeredness, usefulness, daily life activities in relation to BP values, awareness of risk and health care costs are studied. DESIGN AND METHOD: The PERHIT study was performed in four regions in southern Sweden. Following inclusion, more than 900 patients from 31 primary health care centres were randomised to two groups. In the intervention group (INT), patients were provided with a web-based self-management support system including a home-BP monitor. For eight consecutive weeks, they measured BP and performed self-reports regarding well-being, symptoms, lifestyle, medication intake and side effects every evening via their mobile phone. They could also receive motivational messages and reminders throughout the intervention period. Both patients and professionals had access to graphic feedback of reported values through a secure web portal. Patients in the control (CON) group received standard treatment as usual. RESULTS: The primary outcome (BP < 140/90 mmHg) was achieved by 48.5% and 47.1% in the INT, and by 40.4% and 40.9% in the CON group after 8 weeks (p = 0.016) and 12 months (p = 0.067), respectively. Both patients and professionals experienced the system as a useful resource for communication regarding BP and lifestyle. They described that it could be used to support a constructive and person-centred partnership between patients and professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure control was significantly better after eight weeks, but not after one year, following an intervention based on use of mobile phones, feedback and interaction between patients and primary care professionals compared to standard care. The system can be a tool toward a new way of working and help patients reach a controlled BP and play a role in a more person-centred and individually adapted hypertension management.