Recommendation for NHSScotland

Whilst evidence was mostly consistent with a reduction in measures of blood pressure with home health monitoring (HHM) use, it was not possible to draw firm conclusions from the available clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence, or to determine which components of an intervention may be effective.

Future research should be carefully designed to identify the most important components of the intervention, its long-term effects, the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit, and patient satisfaction and preferences.

NHSScotland is required to consider the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) advice.

What were we asked to look at?

What is the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction of home health monitoring for the treatment of hypertension?

Why is this important?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Scottish Public Health Observatory estimated that in 2012/2013, one-third of adults in Scotland had hypertension (rising to a half of men and more than two-thirds of women in those aged over 75 years). The Scottish Government’s national telehealth and telecare delivery plan includes an objective to expand home health monitoring (HHM) across Scotland.

Referred by

Quality and Efficiency Support Team, Healthcare Improvement Scotland