Fully remote initiation of home blood pressure monitoring including electronic transmission of results

Objective: The pressure exerted on the health care system from COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Social distancing and self-isolation called for innovative, readily implementable, and effective short-term health solutions. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a remote initiation of home health surveillance, including home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), carried out by confined hypertensive adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Design and method: Individuals included in the study were between 40 and 69 years old with a known diagnosis of hypertension and a recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. During the initial phone contact and following electronic consent, participants were directed to a secure online platform to obtain all the information needed to participate in the study. Each participant received at home the equipment needed for vital signs assessment, including a LifeSource® UA-651BLE BP monitoring device. The Sphygmo® mobile app was used by the participants for the electronic transmission of results. Participants had to assess their symptoms and completed vital signs including two BP measurements, twice a day, for 14 consecutive days. Electronic and written guidance was also provided to participants on the correct method to perform the various vital signs measurements and data collection. Results: A total of 46 participants completed the study. The mean age was 54.1 ± 6.9 years and 54% of participants were men. On average, participants performed 12.3 days of measurements, 4.4 BP measurements per day for an average total of 54 BP measurements, Among the 46 participants, 11(24%) sent an email and two participants (4%) made a phone call for technical assistance. Conclusions: In a pandemic context, among hypertensive participants with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, the completed remote initiation of HBPM with electronic transmission of results is feasible. Moreover, participants were able to perform nearly fourteen days of BP measurements including self-assessment of symptoms, twice a day, and transmit their data using a mobile app and a web-based platform.