Long-Term Results of a Digital Hypertension Self-Management Program: Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital health programs that incorporate frequent blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and support for behavior change offer a scalable solution for hypertension management. OBJECTIVE: We examined the impact of a digital hypertension self-management and lifestyle change support program on BP over 12 months. METHODS: Data were analyzed from a retrospective observational cohort of commercially insured members (n=1117) that started the Omada for Hypertension program between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Paired t tests and linear regression were used to measure the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 12 months overall and by SBP control status at baseline (≥130 mm Hg vs <130 mm Hg). RESULTS: Members were on average 50.9 years old, 50.8% (n=567) of them were female, 60.5% (n=675) of them were White, and 70.5% (n=788) of them had uncontrolled SBP at baseline (≥130 mm Hg). At 12 months, all members (including members with controlled and uncontrolled BP at baseline) and those with uncontrolled SBP at baseline experienced significant mean reductions in SBP (mean -4.8 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.6 to -4.0; -8.1 mm Hg, 95% CI -9.0 to -7.1, respectively; both P<.001). Members with uncontrolled SBP at baseline also had significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (-4.7 mm Hg; 95% CI -5.3 to -4.1), weight (-6.5 lbs, 95% CI -7.7 to -5.3; 2.7% weight loss), and BMI (-1.1 kg/m2; 95% CI -1.3 to -0.9; all P<.001). Those with controlled SBP at baseline maintained within BP goal range. Additionally, 48% (418/860) of members with uncontrolled BP at baseline experienced enough change in BP to improve their BP category. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world evidence that a comprehensive digital health program involving hypertension education, at-home BP monitoring, and behavior change coaching support was effective for self-managing hypertension over 12 months.

Pilot Results of a Digital Hypertension Self-management Program Among Adults With Excess Body Weight: Single-Arm Nonrandomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Home-measured blood pressure (HMBP) in combination with comprehensive medication support and lifestyle change are the mainstays of evidence-based hypertension (HTN) management. To date, the precise components needed for effective HTN self-management programs have yet to be defined, and access to multicomponent targeted support for HTN management that include telemonitoring remain inaccessible and costly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a digital HTN self-management program on blood pressure (BP) control among adults with excess body weight. METHODS: A single-arm, nonrandomized trial was performed to evaluate a digital HTN self-management program that combines comprehensive lifestyle counseling with HTN education, guided HMBP, support for taking medications, and led by either a registered nurse or certified diabetes care and education specialist. A sample of 151 participants were recruited using a web-based research platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc). The primary outcome was change in systolic BP from baseline to 3 months, and secondary outcomes included change in diastolic BP and medication adherence. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 44.0 (SD 9.3) years and mean BP was 139/85 mm Hg. At follow-up, systolic and diastolic BP decreased by 7 mm Hg (P<.001, 95% CI -9.3 to -4.7) and 4.7 mm Hg (P<.001, 95% CI -6.3 to -3.2), respectively. Participants who started with baseline BP at goal remained at goal. For participants with stage 1 HTN, systolic and diastolic BP decreased by 3.6 mm Hg (P=.09, 95% CI -7.8 to 0.6) and 2.5 mm Hg (P=.03, 95% CI -4.9 to -0.3). Systolic and diastolic BP decreased by 10.3 mm Hg (P<.001, 95% CI -13.4 to -7.1) and 6.5 mm Hg (P<.001, 95% CI -8.6 to -4.4), respectively, for participants with stage 2 HTN. Medication adherence significantly improved (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides initial evidence that a digital HTN self-management program improves BP and medication adherence.

Early Insights From a Digitally Enhanced Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program: Single-Arm Nonrandomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Translation of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a digital format can improve access, but few digital programs have demonstrated outcomes using rigorous evaluation metrics. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a digital DSMES program on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A single-arm, nonrandomized trial was performed to evaluate a digital DSMES program that includes remote monitoring and lifestyle change, in addition to comprehensive diabetes education staffed by a diabetes specialist. A sample of 195 participants were recruited using an online research platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc). The primary outcome was change in laboratory-tested HbA1c from baseline to 4 months, and secondary outcomes included change in lipids, diabetes distress, and medication adherence. RESULTS: At baseline, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.9% (SD 1.9) and mean BMI of 37.5 kg/m2 (SD 8.3). The average age was 45.1 years (SD 8.9), 70% were women, and 67% were White. At 4-month follow up, the HbA1c decreased by 0.8% (P<.001, 95% CI -1.1 to -0.5) for the total population and decreased by 1.4% (P<.001, 95% CI -1.8 to -0.9) for those with an HbA1c of >9.0% at baseline. Diabetes distress and medication adherence were also significantly improved between baseline and follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides early evidence that a digitally enhanced DSMES program improves HbA1c and disease self-management outcomes.