Remote Patient Monitoring For Hypertension

Remote Patient Monitoring For Hypertension can help healthcare professionals treat patients with this common condition.

What is Remote Physiologic Monitoring?

Remote physiologic monitoring, more often referred to as remote patient monitoring (RPM), is a program that equips qualified patients with easy-to-use digital technology to measure and automatically transmit vital signs to clinical staff for monitoring and allows medical providers to intervene more quickly before a manageable condition becomes a health emergency requiring hospitalization. Patients are asked to contribute regular measurements of their health, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, weight, or blood sugar which establishes a solid baseline, and makes it much easier for the patient’s care team to spot trends and take appropriate action. Recommended treatments can include adjusting medication(s), diet modifications, or exercise routines based on a patient’s individual health status. The goals of an RPM program are to optimize patient health, reduce costs, and increase the efficiency of the health system by delivering the right care at the right time in the right place.

Remote Patient Monitoring For Hypertension

High Blood Pressure Prevalence and Impact

In 2017 the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology defined high blood pressure (hypertension) into two stages. Stage 1 is blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHG, and stage 2 is defined as blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg.¹ According to a CDC fact sheet on hypertension, 50% of men and 44% of women have a diagnosis of hypertension. Only about one-quarter of adults with hypertension are considered to have their blood pressure under control. 48% or 119.9 million adults meet the criteria for stage 1 hypertension. 45% of adults are considered to have uncontrolled hypertension, which is a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease which narrows the vessels that carry blood to the heart and can cause a heart attack. In 2021, 1 in every 5 deaths were from heart disease.^2,3The US national healthcare expenditure for hypertension over a 12-year period (2003-2014) was about $131 billion.⁴ In terms of health services, medications, and lost productivity, heart disease cost the US approximately $239.9 billion from 2018 to 2019.⁵

Effectiveness of Blood Pressure Monitoring with RPM

The use of RPM in managing high blood pressure has shown promising results. The American Heart Association strongly supports the use of RPM for timely intervention and improved health outcomes in their 2019 position statement. A study conducted by Mass General Brigham and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in patients who participated in an RPM program for hypertension management.⁶

Similarly, a study conducted by six Chicago practices and approved by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board found that patients who used RPM for blood pressure monitoring had consistently lower systolic pressures compared to patients who did not.⁷

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Home BP monitoring is gaining wide acceptance for the treatment of arterial hypertension, with other studies showing that up to 70% of hypertensive patients regularly check their BP using an office BP measuring device.^{8, 9, 10, 11, 12} Home BP monitoring has been demonstrated to improve HTN control, as well as have a strong predictive value for future cardiovascular events.

These studies highlight the potential of RPM as a tool for managing high blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and improving patient outcomes. As technology continues to advance, the role of RPM in healthcare is set to increase, offering patients a convenient and effective way to manage their health.

Remote Patient Monitoring Benefits for Patients & Practices

As digital health technologies continue to advance, RPM is proving to be beneficial not only for patients but also for healthcare practices.
For patients, RPM offers numerous advantages. It provides better access to healthcare, reduces the need for frequent office visits, and improves the quality of care. RPM systems enable patients to take an active role in managing their health, contributing to improved self-management and increased adherence to care plans. Furthermore, RPM enables enhanced patient-clinician relationships, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients' health in near real-time, gather necessary data, and make timely interventions, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.¹³

For healthcare practices, RPM extends the reach of physicians, promoting improved care for uninsured, rural, and minority patients.⁶ Increasing efficiency can combat clinical staff shortages and boost staff productivity. The ease of access to patient data allows clinicians to make data-driven decisions, leading to better management of chronic conditions.¹⁴
Overall, the benefits of RPM are wide-ranging and significant. As technology continues to evolve, it's likely we will see an increase in its adoption across the healthcare industry.

Popularity of Remote Patient Monitoring in the US and Other Countries

The adoption of RPM varies widely depending on the country, healthcare system, and the specific needs of the patient population. However, it's clear from multiple sources that the use of RPM is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of telehealth technologies.^15,16
In the United States, for example, a survey by Spyglass Consulting Group found that 88% of providers surveyed were investing in or considering investing in RPM technologies.¹⁷ Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research reported that 61.4% of surveyed US physicians used telehealth, including RPM, during the first half of 2020.¹⁸
In Europe, the adoption of RPM is also on the rise. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the European market for RPM is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% between 2023 and 2028.¹⁹
As for Asia-Pacific, markets like Japan, China, and India are expected to witness significant growth in the adoption of RPM due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in technology.²⁰

While these statistics provide some insight into the adoption of RPM, they do not give the exact number of doctor's offices using this technology. For more precise information, you might need to conduct further research or directly contact health departments or professional organizations in the countries of interest.

Adoption of Remote Patient Monitoring by Hospital Systems & Payors

The adoption of RPM by hospital systems and insurance companies has been steadily increasing, driven by the inherent benefits of RPM in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.²¹

While it's challenging to find exact numbers on the prevalence of RPM use across all hospital systems and insurance companies, several surveys and market research reports provide insight into the growing trend. A 2021 survey found that 4 out of 5 patients would be willing to participate in an RPM program.²² This willingness of patients to engage in RPM programs is a positive sign for the continued adoption by healthcare providers.

Globally, the number of RPM users is expected to reach 115 million by 2027.²³ This large user base indicates that many hospital systems worldwide are adopting RPM as part of their healthcare services.

The global remote patient monitoring market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $53.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $175.2 billion.²⁴ The global remote patient monitoring devices market is also projected to grow from USD 30.05 billion in 2021 to USD 101.02 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 18.9%.²⁵ These revenue projections suggest a significant uptake of RPM devices by both hospital systems and insurance companies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health systems reported expanded use of RPM, although there is limited evidence regarding the exact incidence and prevalence of hospital use.²⁶

While specific figures on the prevalence of RPM by hospital systems and insurance companies are not readily available, the growth of the RPM market, the projected increase in RPM users, and the reported willingness of patients to participate in RPM programs all indicate a significant and growing adoption of this technology.

Final Takeaways

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is indeed a game-changer in healthcare. Its potential extends beyond managing chronic conditions to a vast array of specialties like diabetes management, cardiology, pulmonology, and other specialties. This technology enables frequent monitoring and timely interventions, leading to more proactive and personalized care.

The benefits of RPM go beyond individual patient care. It holds the potential to increase access to healthcare services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thereby decreasing health inequalities. By providing real-time data, it allows for more informed decision-making, which can lead to improved quality of care overall.

Furthermore, RPM can be a practical and clinically effective means of reducing blood pressure. It allows for more accurate readings since blood pressures are monitored over a period rather than at a single point in the office setting, potentially leading to better blood pressure management and outcomes.

In conclusion, when implemented correctly, RPM has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more patient-centered, efficient, and accessible. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even greater strides in this field.

References:

Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, Casey DE, Collins KJ, Dennison C, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension. 2018;71(19):e13–115
National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2021 on CDC WONDER Database. Accessed August 15, 2023.
Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Beaton AZ, Bittencourt MS, Boehme AK, et al. Heart disease and stroke statics – 2023 update: a report from the American Heart Disease Association. Circulation. 25 Jan 2023;147:e93–e621.
Kirkland EB, Heincelman M, Bishu KG, et. al. Trends in healthcare expenditures among US adults with hypertension: national estimates, 2003-2014. JournaJ of the American Heart Association. 2018;7:e008731.
National Center for Health Statistics. Percentage of coronary heart disease for adults aged 18 and over, United States, 2019—2021. National Health Interview Survey. Accessed February 17, 2023.
Lee SG, Blood JA, Cannon CP, et al. Remote Cardiovascular Hypertension Program Enhanced Blood Pressure Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of the American Heart Association. 13 March 2023. Vol 12, No. 6.
Petito LC, Anthony L, Peprah Y, et al. Blood pressure outcomes at 12 months in primary care patients prescribed remote physiological monitoring for hypertension: a prospective cohort study. Journal of Human Hypertension. 21 July 2023.
Parati G, Omboni S. Role of home blood pressure telemonitoring in hypertension management, an update. Blood Pressure Monitoring. Dec 2010. Vol 12, No 6.
Logan AF, Dunai A, McIsacc WJ, et al. Attitudes of primary care physicians and their patients about home blood pressure monitoring in Ontario. Journal of Hypertension. March 2008. Vol 26, No 3.
Cuspidi C, Meani S, Fusi V, et al. Home blood pressure measurement and its relationship with blood pressure control in a large selected hypertensive population. Journal of Human Hypertension. 1 Oct 2008.
Agarwal R, Bills JE, Hecht TJW, et al. Role of home blood pressure monitoring in overcoming therapeutic inertia and improving hypertension control. Hypertension. 2011. Vol 57, No 1.
Imai Y, Obara T, Asamaya K, et al. The reason why home blood pressure measurements are preferred over clinic or ambulatory blood pressure in Japan. Hypertensin Research. 18 April 2013. Vol 36.
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Doraiswamy S, Abraham A, Mamtani R, et al. Use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. Dec 2020. Vol 22, No 12.
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Asia-Pacific remote patient monitoring market research report – segmented by type, application, end-use & country, industry analysis, size, share, growth, trends & forecast (2022-2027). Marketingdataforecast.com. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
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Wicklund E. 9 June 2021. New survey finds patients are ready for Remote Patient Monitoring. Mhealthintelligence.com. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
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Pronovost PJ, Cole MD, Hughes RM. Remote Patient Monitoring During COVID-19. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2022 ;327(12):1125–1126

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About the author

Wendy Hughes RN MSN FNP-C

Wendy Hughes is the lead Nurse Practitioner at Remote Care Partners. Her professional interests revolve around digitally enabled care to improve patient outcomes to reduce healthcare costs for patients, payors, and health systems. She makes her home in Georgia and can be found cheering on her favorite SEC football teams in the fall with her husband.

1-855-686-1000

Using Remote Patient Monitoring to fight Hypertension