Adoption of e-mail, text messaging, and online medical information among patients with hypertension

The use of web-based resources involving e-mail, text messaging, or medically-directed websites could potentially help optimize the management and monitoring of blood pressure, and aid therapy compliance in patients with hypertension (HTN). They could potentially prevent unnecessary emergency room (ER) visits and hospital admissions. Methods: We surveyed patients with HTN in cardiology and primary care clinics regarding their use of these technologies. Results: 148 patients were included (79 female; age 16-64: 47%, >65: 53%, 70 male; 18-64:41%, >65: 59%). Associated diagnosis were coronary artery disease (21%), myocardial infarction (13%), arrhythmias (36%), heart failure (6%), or other forms of heart disease (3%). 79% of patients own a personal computer (66%), Laptop (31%), iPod Touch (8%) or Tablet (54%). 70% of patients report sending or receiving e-mail, with 63% sending or receiving daily, 22% weekly, and 15% monthly. 48% of people send or receive text messaging, with 54% sending or receiving daily, 18% weekly, and 28% monthly. Only 8% of patients reported receiving text updates or alerts about their health or medical issues. 64% report looking up medical information online on a computer, 53% look up information more than once per month. Conclusions: A majority of HTN patients surveyed had access to all of the proper technology for interventions to work effectively. With the connectedness of most patients in this survey, there are many opportunities to develop HTN-specific programs that can address common areas of need. Limiting factors may include lack of medically focused platforms available, lack of outcomesbased research, and possible lack of familiarity in select patients. A comprehensive strategy to develop, market, and demonstrate benefits of these rapidly growing and popular technology platforms is urgently needed.