Improving BP control through electronic communications: an economic evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Health economics
• Digital health
• Chronic disease management

Background:

• Web-based collaborative care models show potential for improving chronic illness management and healthcare efficiency.
• The Electronic Communications and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring to Improve Blood Pressure Control (e-BP) study investigated a novel approach to hypertension management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the cost-effectiveness of the e-BP study, which utilized a patient-shared electronic medical record, home blood pressure monitoring, and web-based pharmacist care.
• To assess the economic impact of improving blood pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg) through this intervention.

Main Methods:

• An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a health plan perspective.
• The study compared the cost-effectiveness of home BP monitoring with web-based pharmacist care against usual care and home BP monitoring alone.

Main Results:

• A 1% improvement in controlled blood pressure with the e-BP program cost $16.65 compared to home monitoring alone.
• Each mm Hg reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure cost $65.29.
• The intervention increased life expectancy at an incremental cost of $1850/year for men and $2220/year for women.

Conclusions:

• Web-based collaborative care, including home blood pressure monitoring and pharmacist support, is a cost-effective method for achieving blood pressure control.
• Further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term clinical and economic benefits of sustained blood pressure improvements.