Pharmacy tech

A pharmacist-managed telemedicine intervention for people with uncontrolled hypertension was associated with favorable health and economic outcomes, according to 5-year results of the 450-patient Hyperlink trial.

Home-based telemonitoring is where a blood pressure (BP) monitor is placed in a patient’s home. In home-based telemonitoring, patients self-monitor their own vitals, such as BP and pulse rate, and communicate values to a healthcare provider or clinic either in person, with a self-kept log, or remotely via telephone or e-health-related technology. 

Five-year results from the Hyperlink trial indicate that a pharmacist-managed telemedicine intervention for people with uncontrolled hypertension improved health and economic outcomes. During the 5-year period, people who underwent 6 months of home blood pressure monitoring and regular telephone contact with a pharmacist experienced fewer cardiovascular events (4.4% vs 8.6%) and cardiovascular events including coronary revascularizations (5.3% vs 10.4%).

Managing pharmacists were able to prescribe and change antihypertensive therapy under a specific protocol. Net cost savings of roughly $1,900 per patient were achieved over 5 years. Costs associated with cardiovascular events in the intervention group totaled $758,000, vs. about $1.54 million in the control patients. Learn more.

Jayme Steig

“This study shows the value of self measured blood pressure monitoring, telehealth, and medication management by a pharmacist. The combination of these factors led to positive outcomes and financial savings, added Jayme Steig, PharmD, RPh; Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Advisor.