Effectiveness of a remote care program in the management of patients with resistant hypertension or multiple medication intolerances
Authors: De Armas R , Blood A J , Subramaniam S , Zelle D , Aronson S , Crossen J , Chasse J , Oates M , Gordon W , Cannon C , Scirica B , Fisher N 
Published: October 2022

Background

A remote hypertension (HTN) program, designed and implemented at Mass General Brigham (MGB), has demonstrated improved HTN control, reduced need for in-person visits, and increased access to care. The program excluded patients with resistant HTN or multiple intolerances/allergies to guideline-directed therapies, whose blood pressure (BP) is difficult to manage.

Purpose

To develop a more intensive but still remote program (“HTN-Plus”) for patients with resistant HTN or intolerances/allergies to multiple medications, and to assess its effectiveness for BP control.

Methods

From 10/2020 through 11/2021, we identified a subset of hypertensive patients from the total pool of those enrolled in our remote HTN management program, who required more personalized and intensive therapy than the overall remote management program provided. We developed ancillary management for these patients, who included: 1) patients with apparent resistant HTN (ARH), ie with uncontrolled BP despite maximum tolerated doses of at least three anti-HTN medications including a diuretic, and 2) patients with multiple medication intolerances or allergies that precluded appropriate triple therapy or limited dose-optimization. A nurse practitioner provided education and advice on BP measurement technique, lifestyle modifications, and adherence. Evaluation for primary aldosteronism (PA) was undertaken in those with ARH.

Results

We enrolled 3658 patients with uncontrolled HTN, of whom 117 qualified for the HTN-Plus program. The average BP on entry was 143/80 mmHg. 68% had apparent resistant HTN and 32% had multiple medication intolerances/allergies. Among all patients, 30% had incorrect BP-measurement technique upon interview, 10% who were tested for PA had a positive screening test, 56% had a history suggestive of an unmanaged secondary cause, and only 6% admitted imperfect adherence, but urine testing was not done. 74% of patients completed the program meaning they were reachable through the end and did not drop out. Across the program, 72 new medications were started, and 84 medication titrations were made. 50% of patients who enrolled in HTN-plus achieved BP &lt;130/80 mmHg. 22% achieved BP control with education and coaching alone. For patients who completed the program, the average entry and final BPs were 139/78 mmHg and 126/70 mmHg respectively, with an average BP decrease of 13/8 mmHg.

Conclusions

In patients who remain hypertensive despite maximally tolerated guideline-directed medication utilization, our intensified but still entirely remote HTN management program helped patients reach their BP goal through education, coaching, and medication management. Nearly a quarter were able to achieve BP control with education and coaching alone. These results suggest that a significant value of remote care in patients with resistant HTN or medication intolerances/allergies lies in ongoing education and coaching, for which more cost-effective solutions may be considered.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Mass General Brigham as part of quality improvement initiative