Advancing Hypertension Control in Disparate Populations

By Amanda Jepson | Categories: | Comments Off on Advancing Hypertension Control in Disparate Populations

ECMC, in Buffalo, N.Y., developed the Advancing Hypertension Control in Disparate Populations through Comprehensive Remote Patient Monitoring program in response to a community needs assessment that showed high rates of hypertension among patients, including 56 percent of Black patients. Needs assessment data also demonstrated that this patient population faced significant barriers to hypertension treatment, such as lack of transportation. By leveraging self-measured blood pressure monitoring, telehealth, and coordinated care, the program aims to improve patient engagement, enhance health care access, and achieve better clinical outcomes for individuals at risk for and diagnosed with hypertension.   

Participants receive a validated blood pressure cuff at no cost and attend telehealth visits to assist with monitoring health behaviors. Resources allocated to sustain the program include dedicated hospital staff and funding from multiple organizations, including The Buffalo Center for Health Equity, Highmark, Univera, and Independent Health. A partnership with the American Heart Association supported blood pressure kiosks and community screenings.   

Patients and families played a key role in developing this program by providing feedback on behavioral intentions, perceived control of access to care, and hypertension management. To reach beyond patients attributed to the health system, ECMC partnered with community-focused organizations, such as the Independent Health Association, to identify individuals with unmet health care needs and provide accessible health services to underserved Buffalo neighborhoods. Together, these organizations and ECMC hold community events to educate individuals on hypertension and familiarize the community with this program.   

Since 2022, ECMC has enrolled more than 900 primary care patients in the program. More than 50 percent of enrolled patients have experienced a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure. The hypertension control rate among ECMC primary care clinics increased from 44.2 to 69 percent. Additionally, patients with hypertension who are not enrolled in the program utilize emergency services 56 percent more often than program participants.