Mobile applications showed positive potential for improving self-care and lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, though only three of six reviewed studies reported a significant reduction.
Systematic Review (n=870)
Do mobile applications improve self-care and lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension?
Mobile apps have positive potential for improving self-care behavior in hypertensive patients, but evidence of their impact varies due to diverse study conditions.
INTRODUCTION: High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the chronic diseases causing other serious diseases and syndromes. Active involvement of the patient in the management of the disease is crucial in improving self-care and clinical outcomes. Mobile technology is nowadays used widely to improve the self-care process in people with chronic diseases such as hypertension. AIM: The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the existing research evaluating the impact of mobile applications on the self-care of patients with hypertension. METHODS: The Scopus and PubMed databases were investigated using a comprehensive search strategy from the beginning of 2010 to 2019. All controlled clinical trial studies as well as quasi-experimental studies used mobile as a device for improving the self-care and conducted on patients with hypertension were included in the study. The studies were reviewed by two independent individuals. RESULTS: Out of 1032 studies found, 6 studies were finally reviewed after applying the inclusion criteria. Out of 6 studies reviewed, three studies confirmed the effect of using mobile applications on lowering blood pressure. Other studies reported a decline in blood pressure, while statistically significant were not shown. CONCLUSION: The results showed that mobile apps have positive potential on improving the self-care behavior of patients with hypertension, but the evidences presenting their impact are varied. Different reports for efficiency of mobile phone apps for the self-care modification was due to diverse condition of studies for mobile intervention on the patients with hypertension.
Jamshidnezhad et al. (Tue,) conducted a systematic review in Hypertension (n=870). Smartphone applications vs. Standard care or routine treatment was evaluated on Blood pressure reduction and adherence to medication. Mobile applications showed positive potential for improving self-care and lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, though only three of six reviewed studies reported a significant reduction.