Remote blood pressure checks and lifestyle advice from Maasstad Hospital

After successfully remotely monitoring patients who have been in Maasstad Hospital with the coronavirus, the hospital is further expanding home monitoring in patient care. Patients treated for (acute) high blood pressure in Maasstad Hospital are increasingly able to measure their blood pressure at home and pass it on to the hospital for control via an app. This saves visits to the hospital and ensures that patients are also aware of their blood pressure.

Measuring under normal living conditions

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is not good for the heart and blood vessels. That is why it is important to monitor blood pressure closely. This can be done in the hospital, but research has shown that it is even better to measure blood pressure under normal living conditions. “Blood pressure is most representative in the home situation. That is why Maasstad Hospital is now using the Luscii app, which passes on the measurements taken at home to the Internal Medicine department,” says Stephanie de Koning, nurse specialist at Maasstad Hospital. “As a result, our patients need to come to the hospital less often and we can intervene earlier if necessary.”

Acute hypertension

The home monitoring app is not only used with patients with chronic hypertension, but also with patients who come to our emergency room with acute hypertension or acute high blood pressure. “As soon as it is medically justified, people can go home with the app. They receive instructions on how often and how they should measure their blood pressure,” said Iris Verberk, internist at Maasstad Hospital. “The advantage of the app is that we only intervene when necessary, which means there are fewer unnecessary contact moments. In addition, self-monitoring and remote monitoring of blood pressure can take a lot of stress off the patient, who otherwise often has to wait a few weeks for the next check-up appointment.”

Pass it on safely to the hospital

The patient therefore measures the blood pressure at home, at times agreed in advance. The patient then passes on the measured values ​​via the home monitoring app on the smartphone. Other data, such as weight and physical activity, may also be passed on. If after a measurement it appears that the blood pressure is too often too high, the system will send a message. The nurse practitioner will then contact the patient to discuss any adjustments to the treatment plan.

“I think it’s ideal!”

Ada Schouten – Visser from Rotterdam is a patient at Maasstad Hospital. When she heard that she could report her blood pressure to the hospital via the app, she was not immediately enthusiastic. “I was apprehensive because I’m not much of a star on the app. But my daughter helped me and it’s not too bad for me.” She now gives her blood pressure twice a week and sometimes fills in how she feels in comments. “That is very easy and you notice that they are looking at it in the hospital. This week I received a message after forwarding that my heart rate was too low and my medication was adjusted. I think it’s ideal!”

Extra lifestyle tips

The blood pressure app also contains information about what patients can do themselves to lower their blood pressure, such as healthy eating, exercise and limiting salt intake. “It is also possible to track weight and steps. Medication reminders can be set and educational modules are available with information about high blood pressure and a healthy lifestyle,” explains Stephanie de Koning. “As a result, we empower patients more and stimulate their own contribution to the treatment. Soon we hope to be able to demonstrate the results of this new approach through scientific research.”

The right care in the right place

Maasstad Hospital wants patients to receive the right care in the right place. Monitoring patients remotely is part of this, because some care can also take place at home. This is more pleasant for the patient and frees up space in the hospital for people who only need to be helped there.

Ada Schouten – Visser from Rotterdam measures her blood pressure herself and passes the values ​​on to Maasstad Hospital via the Luscii app.

Source: Maasstad Hospital

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