Hypertension Identification using Mobile Health Outreach Project (HI HOPE): A Pilot Study

Racial disparities in the management of hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, are prevalent. Mobile health clinics, including the University of Minnesota (UMN) Mobile Health Initiative (MHI), seek to mitigate these disparities by providing underserved individuals with access to screening for elevated blood pressure. However, the impact of this process on subsequent care, including diagnosis and management of hypertension, is unknown. Individuals with elevated blood pressure at UMN MHI screening events were provided with a free self-monitoring blood pressure device (SMBP) and a follow-up phone call two weeks after the event. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants reached with a follow-up call; secondary outcomes included SMBP usage and arrangement of primary care follow-up. Fifty-six participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 57 ± 14 years, half were women, and more than 80% self-identified as non-white. Thirty-seven (66%) participants were successfully reached with a follow-up phone call. The average time to reach participants was 36 days. Fifteen (41%) required more than one phone call attempt. Of the 37 participants who were successfully contacted, 33 (89%) had used SMBP, 27 (82%) reported using the SMBP at least weekly, and 21 (57%) had contacted their primary care doctor by the time of the follow-up phone call. Participant use of SMBP devices was high; however, contacting individuals for follow-up via phone calls was challenging. Distribution of SMBP devices and follow-up phone calls may be a useful way for mobile health clinics to help individuals with hypertension improve their management through increased awareness and by creating a bridge to primary care follow-up.