Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1.
Flow of participants (N = 140).
DIG IT = digital innovation to grow quality care through an interprofessional care team; Wi-Fi = wireless network for internet access.
- Figure 2.
Change in (A) mean systolic blood pressure, and (B) mean diastolic blood pressure over 3 months.
BP = blood pressure; DIG IT = digital innovation to grow quality care through an interprofessional care team.
Note: Change over time data presented as mean (SD) with P values.
Tables
Characteristics Intervention (n = 70) Control (n = 70) P Value Age, mean (SD), y 62.6 (10.7) 63.0 (8.5) .848 Gender, No. (%) Female 21 (30.0) 34 (48.6) .010 Male 49 (70.0) 36 (51.4) Ethnicity, No. (%) Asian 6 (8.6) 4 (5.7) .757 Black 3 (4.3) 4 (5.7) Hispanic 55 (78.6) 56 (80.0) White 2 (2.8) 4 (5.7) Other 4 (5.7) 2 (2.9) Smoking status, No. (%) Yes 3 (4.3) 1 (1.4) .620 No 67 (95.7) 69 (98.6) Alcohol consumption, No. (%) Yes 13 (18.6) 33 (47.1) <.001 No 57 (81.4) 37 (52.9) Diabetes status, No. (%) Yes 35 (50) 40 (57.1) .397 No 35 (50) 30 (42.9) Lipid profile, mean (SD), mg/dL Total cholesterol 179.4 (36.6) 153.1 (39.6) <.001 LDL-C 98.4 (35.9) 79.7 (34.3) .002 HDL-C 48.5 (13.4) 47.9 (15.0) .794 Triglycerides 159.0 (97.0) 127.2 (54.5) .019 ASCVD Risk scores, mean (SD), % 23.8 (19.4) 24.0 (18.3) .937 Blood pressure, mean (SD), mmHg Systolic BP 162.6 (14.2) 163.2 (13.5) .774 Diastolic BP 82.2 (12.8) 79.6 (14.9) .268 ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; BP = blood pressure; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA IN PDF FILE BELOW
Supplemental Table 1. Factors associated with (i) SBP, (ii) DBP and (iii) ASCVD score at 3 months
Supplemental Table 2. Factors associated with achieving blood pressure target
Supplemental Table 3. Factors associated with the difference in the mean change of 10-year ASCVD risk score
- Lee_Supp.pdf -
PDF file
- Lee_Supp.pdf -
VISUAL ABSTRACT IN PNG FILE BELOW
- Lee_Final_VA.png -
PNG file
- Lee_Final_VA.png -
PLAIN LANGUAGE ARTICLE SUMMARY
Original Research
A Blood Pressure Control Intervention Including Remote Monitoring Doubles Success Among Underserved Patients
Background and Goal: Underserved communities are at higher risk for uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead to heart disease and higher death rates. Digital health technologies, such as remote monitoring, offer new ways to manage these chronic conditions. This study, conducted between August and December 2021, evaluated the impact of a remote monitoring program called DIG IT on blood pressure control in underserved patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Orange County, California.
Study Approach:Researchers compared two groups: patients using the DIG IT program, which includes digital blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and a team-based care approach, and a historical control group that received standard care without digital tools. The study focused on patients aged 40 and older with uncontrolled hypertension. A total of 140 patients (70 DIG IT, 70 historical control) were included. Blood pressure readings and heart disease risk scores were tracked over three months to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
Main Findings:
• Patients in the DIG IT program saw their systolic blood pressure (the top number, measuring pressure when the heart beats) drop by an average of 31 points, compared to just 15 points in the control group. Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number, measuring pressure when the heart is at rest) decreased by 11 points in the DIG IT group, compared to a 5-point reduction in the control group.
• The program led to a significant reduction in the estimated American College of Cardiology 10-year risk of heart disease, with patients in the DIG IT group showing twice the improvement compared to those in the control group.
• Nearly 73% of patients in the DIG IT program reached their blood pressure goals within three months, compared to 37% in the control group.
Why It Matters:These findings show that remote monitoring programs, like DIG IT, can significantly improve blood pressure control and lower heart disease risks in underserved communities. By connecting digital health tools with real-time care, these programs provide timely interventions that are crucial for managing chronic diseases. Expanding access to such innovative care models in underserved areas is key to reducing health disparities and improving overall public health.
Digital Innovation to Grow Quality Care Through an Interprofessional Care Team (DIG IT) Among Underserved Patients With Hypertension
Joyce Y. Lee, PharmD, APh, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, et al
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California
University of California Irvine Health Family Health Center, Irvine, California
Visual abstract showcasing key findings from this study:
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