European Primary Care Cardiovascular Society

Remote program for improvement of lipid and hypertension management

News - Nov. 22, 2021

A Remotely Delivered Hypertension and Lipid Program In 10,000 Patients Across a Diverse Health Care Network

Presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021 by: Alexander J. Blood, MD -Boston, MA, USA.

Introduction and methods

Aim of the program

Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia remain undertreated. Remotely delivered healthcare could potentially engage more patients in a treatment program. However, there is also a concern of exacerbating health inequities with such an approach. Alexander J. Blood, MD presented the design and outcomes of an ongoing remotely delivered hypertension and hyperlipidemia management program.

Program design

Patients who were not at treatment goals for hypertension of hypercholesterolemia were identified by provider referral and electronic health record screening. The program was fully funded and patients could enroll into the program at no additional costs. The program screened 28473 patients and enrolled 10803 patients (55% female, 29% non-white, 8% non-English speaking). 1256 patients chose to participate only in the education part of the program and 9547 patients proceeded with medication management (6887 patients in the lipid program and 3367 in the hypertension program). All patients received dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

Patient navigators functioned as the primary contact person for patients. Navigators are non-licensed personnel who provide education and gather data through phone, text or email. Pharmacitst prescribe and up-titrate therapy as part of a Collaborative Drug Treatment Management program. Physicians can be contacted to support pharmacists when needed. Digital technology is used to integrate data from patients, devices, and the electronic health record. This technology thereby allows for the automation of workflow, streamlined communication, and decision guidance. BP values and lab results were monitored for safety.

Main results

Conclusion

Alexander J. Blood, MD summarized that this remote CV health program effectively improved hypertension and LDL-c control in high-risk patients. The observed benefits of the program were consistent across all subgroups. The results also re-affirm how difficult it is to maintain patients in longitudinal health care management.

-Our reporting is based on the information provided at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021-

Watch a video about this program

Share this page with your colleagues and friends: