The impact of a pharmacist‐designed mobile application on blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension

Introduction Mobile applications (apps) may improve adherence and disease state‐related outcomes in patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases, including hypertension. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a pharmacist‐designed app to improve blood pressure (BP) and promote adherence to antihypertensive medications. Methods This study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to an intervention or control group for 3 months. The intervention was a pharmacist‐designed mobile app. Antihypertensive medication refill history was assessed 3 months before, during study, and 3 months after study completion. Continuous outcome measures investigated were systolic/diastolic BP and medication refill history using the cumulative medication gap (CMG). Statistical analysis comparing median difference in BPs and CMGs between groups was conducted using Theil‐Sen Siegel regression. Results The propensity score adjusted population consisted of 78 patients (n = 39 for both groups). No significant difference was observed in the conditional median difference in CMG between groups at the 3‐month follow‐up visit (−0.06 [ P = .70]). No significant difference was observed in the conditional median difference in systolic and diastolic BP between groups at the 3‐month follow‐up visit (−2.00 [ P = .07] and −1.00 mmHg [ P = .39] systolic and diastolic, respectively). Upon subgroup analysis, those nonadherent at baseline in the intention to treat population experienced a significant improvement in outcomes (−0.06 P = .03] and −12.00 mmHg [ P = .002] CMG and systolic BP, respectively). Conclusion A pharmacist‐designed mobile app did not result in improved medication adherence or BP control, but may be beneficial in patients with hypertension who struggle with medication adherence.