About the project- Background and purpose
In elderly and patients with chronic illnesses, that are also at higher risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension has been classified by the World Health Organization as a leading cause of mortality worldwide with primary and secondary care services facing increasing challenges with supporting those patients (1,2,3). In Sweden and Norway, primary health care services handle most patients with hypertension. With primary and secondary care being increasingly overburdened, both national and international healthcare reforms have emphasised the need for more efficient services, decentralisation of specialist healthcare services and better coordination between healthcare services and levels of care (4).
Technology enabled care (TEC) is a collective term for telecare, telehealth, telemedicine, mHealth, digital health and eHealth services. TEC involves the convergence of health systems, digital media and mobile devices, which enables healthcare professionals and patients to access data and information more easily (6). E.g. mobile health interventions using smartphones are increasingly deployed in clinical settings to augment patient education, communication, monitoring and long-lasting disease management. TEC solutions have often been implemented to support a more cost-efficient delivery of health services. Research indicate that remote patient monitoring leads to better patient-assessed quality of life, prevention of complications and minimalisation of costs (7). Such monitoring has been claimed to increase efficiency, and allows for healthcare personnel to remotely educate and communicate with patients (5). In addition, research indicate that remote patient monitoring leads to better patient-assessed quality of life, prevention of complications and minimalization of costs (7). To date, we have not been able to identify any studies utilising a qualitative approach exploring these issues in patients using home monitoring of high blood pressure.
Goal of project
The purpose of this study is to explore patients’ views about use and acceptance of home blood pressure monitoring with focus on key determinants derived from Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2) model. Patients with diagnosed hypertension documented in their health care records will be recruited through patients’ organisations in Sweden and Norway. The study is designed as a qualitative study with semi-structured focus groups. Four groups with eight participants in every group are planned, two groups in Norway and two groups in Sweden. Focus group interviews will allow for open discussions with the participants to include topics from the patients’ points of view, opportunities to express their beliefs and experiences that might be left undeveloped during individual deep interviews.
Project’s timeline
01.09.21-31.12.22
Collaboration Partners
- Østfold University College
- Lund University
References
- St Sauer J, Boyd C, Grossardt B, Bobo W, Finney R, Roger V, et al. Risk of developing multimorbidity across all ages in an historical cohort study: differences by sex and ethnicity. BMJ open. 2015;5(2).
- Uijen A, van de Lisdonk E. Multimorbidity in primary care: prevalence and trend over the last 20 years. The European Journal of General Practice. 2008;14(1):28-32.
- World Health Organization. Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. Geneva2009.
- Grimsmo A, Magnussen J. Norsk samhandlingsreform i et internasjonalt perspektiv [The Norwegian Coordination Reform in an international perspective]. Forskningsrådet [The Norwegian Research Council]; 2015.
- Coye MJ, Haselkorn A, DeMello S. Remote patient management: technology-enabled innovation and evolving business models for chronic disease care. Health Aff (Millwood). 2009;28(1):126-35.
- 6)Taylor, K. (2015). Connected health. How digital technology is trnasforming health and social care. Retrieved from London, UK.
- 7)Bayliss, E., Siener, J., Fernald, D., Crane, L., & Main, D. (2003). Descriptions of barriers to selfcare by persons with comorbid chronic diseases. Ann Fam Med, 1(1), 15-21. doi:10.1370/afm.4.