A pilot program using remote blood pressure monitoring at the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center led to improved outcomes for patients with hypertension, according to a study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality on July 9.
The yearlong study tracked nearly 500 patients who used at-home devices to automatically send blood pressure readings to their care teams. Researchers found that, on average, participants experienced a meaningful drop in systolic blood pressure, which is associated with lower risk of serious cardiovascular events. The program was led by Kristin Otolski, PA-C, and Emily S. Tuchman, MD.
"This study reinforces that consistent blood pressure monitoring is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect heart health," said Emily S. Tuchman, MD. "By making it easier for patients to track and share readings in real time, we can intervene earlier and prevent complications before they happen."
The study also showed that the team-based approach—combining physicians, advanced practice providers and support staff—improved care without increasing workload for primary care clinicians. "What makes this program innovative is not just the technology, but how the care team works together around it," said Micah J. Eimer, MD. "It’s a model for how we can scale remote monitoring more broadly and reach more patients before high blood pressure leads to serious disease."
Leaders say these findings suggest opportunities to expand remote monitoring programs and increase awareness about regular blood pressure tracking. "This is a scalable, patient-centered approach to managing a very common and very serious condition," Eimer said. "Our goal is to expand access to this kind of care so more patients can take control of their blood pressure and their long-term health." The research was supported by a Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital Quality and Innovation Grant.
Northwestern Medicine aims to provide world-class care through its patient-focused mission encompassing patient care, education and research; it operates under parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare with Howard B. Chrisman as president and chief executive officer; it engages in strategic collaborations advancing clinical research; receives national recognition for physician well-being programs; recognizes community contributions through humanitarian awards reflecting compassion, according to the official website.
