Mobile Health App for High Blood Pressure

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by David G. Beiser, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Opioid dependency, Homelessness, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to test the proof-of-concept for adding a novel mHealth application, USeeBP, to the established UChicago Medicine Ambulatory Medicine Remote-Patient Monitoring (UCM-RPM) Hypertension Management Program in a population of African American adults with poorly controlled hypertension.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your current treatment, but it's best to confirm with the study team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment USeeBP for high blood pressure?

Research shows that mobile health apps can help people manage high blood pressure by improving medication adherence and encouraging lifestyle changes. Apps that combine blood pressure monitoring with feedback and education have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve how well people stick to their treatment plans. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Mobile Health App for High Blood Pressure safe for humans?

The research does not specifically mention safety concerns for the mobile health app, but it shows that older adults engaged well with the app for blood pressure monitoring, suggesting it is generally safe to use. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

How does the mobile health app treatment for high blood pressure differ from other treatments?

This mobile health app treatment is unique because it uses smartphone technology to help patients monitor their blood pressure at home, potentially improving medication adherence and lifestyle changes. Unlike traditional treatments, it offers a convenient way to track and manage blood pressure through self-measurement and digital engagement, which may be particularly appealing to younger users. ^{1 3 5 9 10}

Research Team

David G. Beiser, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for African American adults aged 18-65 with high blood pressure (SBP ≥ 160 mmHg). Participants must have access to an iPhone, Wi-Fi or data plan, and be able to use the USeeBP app and a wireless blood pressure cuff. They should not be homeless, recently hospitalized for psychiatric reasons, pregnant, prisoners, opioid-dependent or have certain severe medical conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Person of African descent

You are currently enrolled or eligible to participate in the UCM-RPM Hypertension Management Program.

You have an Apple iPhone that can work with the Apple Health app.

Exclusion Criteria

Your blood pressure is higher than 180/110 before starting the study.

Prior enrollment in the study

You are currently dependent on opioids.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use the USeeBP mHealth app alongside the UCM-RPM program to monitor and manage blood pressure

12 weeks

Regular virtual check-ins via app and EPIC MyChart

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in blood pressure control and medication adherence

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• USeeBP (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests a mobile health application called USeeBP as part of the UChicago Medicine Remote-Patient Monitoring Hypertension Management Program. It aims to see if this app can help improve blood pressure control in African Americans with unmanaged hypertension.

Participant Groups

Group I: USeeBP Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to use the USeeBP mHealth app alongside participating in UCM-RPM program as part of their routine care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

Pete Salzmann

University of Chicago

Chief Executive Officer since 2018

MD from University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business

Anh Nguyen

University of Chicago

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, MBA from University of Chicago

Findings from Research

A randomized clinical trial involving 2101 participants found that enhanced self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) using a smartphone application did not significantly reduce blood pressure more than standard SMBP methods over 6 months.

Both enhanced and standard SMBP methods showed similar levels of patient satisfaction, with around 70% of participants likely to recommend their devices, indicating that the added technology did not improve outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Standard vs Enhanced Self-measurement of Blood Pressure Paired With a Connected Smartphone Application: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Pletcher, MJ., Fontil, V., Modrow, MF., et al.[2023]

The SMART-BP trial is evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile app (SMBP-App) that provides tailored recommendations for blood pressure management compared to standard self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) in 180 patients with hypertension over a 24-week period.

The primary goal is to determine if the SMBP-App can lead to greater reductions in mean home systolic blood pressure and improve medication adherence compared to SMBP alone.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure and Feed-back Using APP in TReatment of UnconTrolled Hypertension (SMART-BP): A Randomized Clinical Trial. Choi, DJ., Park, JJ., Yoon, M., et al.[2023]

A review of 151 high blood pressure apps revealed that most only offer basic features like blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle advice, and information about hypertension, indicating a lack of comprehensive self-management support.

The presence of social support features was weakly correlated with download frequency, suggesting that users may value community engagement, while apps tailored for specific BP monitors received higher ratings, highlighting the importance of compatibility in user satisfaction.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Apps to Support Self-Management for People With Hypertension: Content Analysis. Hui, CY., Creamer, E., Pinnock, H., et al.[2020]

In a study involving 333 participants with uncontrolled hypertension, a smartphone coaching app aimed at promoting self-management did not significantly lower systolic blood pressure compared to a standard blood pressure tracking app after 6 months, with both groups showing similar blood pressure levels.

However, participants using the coaching app reported greater self-confidence in managing their blood pressure, suggesting potential psychological benefits that could support long-term hypertension management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring via a Smartphone Hypertension Coaching Application or Tracking Application on Adults With Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Persell, SD., Peprah, YA., Lipiszko, D., et al.[2020]

Smartphone applications can significantly enhance the management of hypertension by improving medication adherence, blood pressure control, and promoting lifestyle changes, especially among younger users.

While technology interventions show promise in reducing physical inactivity and obesity, further research is needed to identify the most effective components of these interventions and to make them more accessible for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mobile applications and management of hypertension: possibilities, problems and perspectives]. Becker, S., Mitchell, A., Königsmann, T., et al.[2021]

In a trial involving 62 older adults with hypertension, the MyBP digital tool showed high engagement rates (82.7%) for home blood pressure monitoring, indicating its feasibility for routine use.

While overall blood pressure reductions were similar between MyBP and control groups, those with higher initial systolic blood pressure in the MyBP group experienced greater declines, suggesting potential clinical benefits for specific patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized feasibility trial of a digital intervention for hypertension self-management. Muldoon, MF., Einhorn, J., Yabes, JG., et al.[2023]

Out of 948 blood pressure tracking apps screened, only 62 met the inclusion criteria, with an average quality score of 12.2 out of 28, indicating that most apps had variable quality and few adhered to best practices for home blood pressure monitoring.

Apps that included educational content or had a rating of 4 stars or higher demonstrated significantly better overall quality, suggesting that these features may enhance the effectiveness of BP tracking apps for self-management of hypertension.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quality of Blood Pressure Tracking Apps for the iPhone: Content Analysis and Evaluation of Adherence With Home Blood Pressure Measurement Best Practices. Leong, AY., Makowsky, MJ.[2020]

The MyBP program, which uses automated SMS for home blood pressure monitoring, significantly enhances patients' understanding of hypertension and encourages behavior changes through educational videos and consistent monitoring.

Patients reported that receiving regular blood pressure readings motivated them to take action, demonstrating that this program effectively supports self-management of hypertension by leveraging feedback and increasing awareness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SMS-facilitated home blood pressure monitoring: A qualitative analysis of resultant health behavior change. Allen, ME., Irizarry, T., Einhorn, J., et al.[2020]

Mobile health (mHealth) apps can effectively assist in the self-assessment and management of resistant hypertension, providing tools for regular blood pressure monitoring and communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

While mHealth apps show promise in improving hypertension control, their accuracy in measuring blood pressure can vary, and more extensive research is needed to confirm their long-term effectiveness and scalability in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Potential of mHealth Applications in Improving Resistant Hypertension Self-Assessment, Treatment and Control. Santo, K., Redfern, J.[2020]

The Reach Out mHealth intervention, which uses SMS text messaging for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, was well-received by participants, indicating its potential effectiveness in engaging hypertensive patients in managing their blood pressure.

Participants with higher engagement levels had better understanding and social support, while those with lower engagement or who withdrew from the trial faced more health-related social needs, suggesting that addressing these needs could improve participation and outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Engagement in Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Medically Underresourced Participants (the Reach Out Trial): Digital Framework Qualitative Study. Hellem, AK., Whitfield, C., Casetti, A., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Standard vs Enhanced Self-measurement of Blood Pressure Paired With a Connected Smartphone Application: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]

2. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure and Feed-back Using APP in TReatment of UnconTrolled Hypertension (SMART-BP): A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]

3. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Apps to Support Self-Management for People With Hypertension: Content Analysis. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring via a Smartphone Hypertension Coaching Application or Tracking Application on Adults With Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2020]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mobile applications and management of hypertension: possibilities, problems and perspectives]. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized feasibility trial of a digital intervention for hypertension self-management. [2023]

7. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quality of Blood Pressure Tracking Apps for the iPhone: Content Analysis and Evaluation of Adherence With Home Blood Pressure Measurement Best Practices. [2020]

8. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SMS-facilitated home blood pressure monitoring: A qualitative analysis of resultant health behavior change. [2020]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Potential of mHealth Applications in Improving Resistant Hypertension Self-Assessment, Treatment and Control. [2020]

10. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Engagement in Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Medically Underresourced Participants (the Reach Out Trial): Digital Framework Qualitative Study. [2023]