Home and Online Management and Evaluation of Blood Pressure (HOME BP) using a digital intervention in poorly controlled hypertension: randomised controlled trial

Dear Editor,

I read with interest the article about the home BP digital intervention in the management of hypertension.

Since COVID-19 pandemic, like other General Practices we at Hillview Surgery have been using remote/digital consultations – this has certainly changed our ways of working, not only by improving patient access but also helping to manage chronic long term conditions efficiently.

Most of our patients with hypertension either owned a BP machine or were happy to buy one during the pandemic. When patients are concerned about their BP readings or any patients found needing to have their BP recordings monitored, were sent a 7-day home monitoring sheet with instructions on how to check it twice a day (digitally). Patients measure their BP in the comfort of their homes and return the completed sheet with their readings to the nursing team by email. The average BP is calculated and appropriate advice given by the clinicians. This certainly avoids any unnecessary anxieties and/or treatment with regards to “white coat syndrome”.

Patients requesting repeat prescriptions for oral combined contraceptive pills or HRT are encouraged to contact the nursing team or clinical pharmacist by email, uploading their home BP readings whenever possible – most already owned or were happy to buy BP machines for convenience.

Digital intervention and involving patients in the care of their medical condition is the way forward even beyond pandemic.