Implementation and evaluation of an electronic health record-integrated app for postpartum monitoring of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy using patient-contributed data collection

Remote monitoring of women experiencing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can provide timely life-saving data, particularly if these data are integrated into existing patient and clinical workflows. This pilot intervention of a smartphone application (app) for postpartum monitoring of hypertensive disorders integrates patient-contributed data into electronic health records (EHRs) to support monitoring and clinical decision-making. Results from the evaluation of the pilot highlight the resources needed when implementing the app, challenges for integrating an app into the EHR, and the usability and utility of the HDP monitoring app for patient and clinician users. The implementation team's key observations included the importance of a local clinical champion, more robust patient involvement and support for the remote patient monitoring program, an impetus for EHR developers to adopt data integration standards, and a need to expand the capabilities of the standards to support interventions using patient-contributed data. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can pose serious short- and long-term risks for maternal and fetal health. Remote monitoring of HDP symptoms through smartphone applications (apps) has been shown to be beneficial for both patient empowerment and clinical decision-making. This study evaluated a pilot intervention of a smartphone-enabled HDP monitoring program for postpartum patients. We found that to share health information safely and securely, healthcare organizations need the right human resources, technical expertise, data exchange standards, and patient input. The app showed potential for effective care management and patient engagement, yet more research is needed on standards to support future interventions.