Feasibility of Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring for Detection and Management of Maternal Hypertension in a predominantly Black, Rural and Medicaid Population in Mississippi

Yunxi Zhang; Yueh-Yun Lin; Lincy Lal; J Michael Swint; Tanya Tucker; DeAngela M Ivory; Ying Zhang; Saurabh Chandra; Charlene Collier

doi:10.1089/tmj.2023.0426

Feasibility of Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring for Detection and Management of Maternal Hypertension in a predominantly Black, Rural and Medicaid Population in Mississippi

Telemed J E Health. 2024 Apr 2. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0426. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yunxi Zhang¹, Yueh-Yun Lin², Lincy Lal², J Michael Swint^{2

3}, Tanya Tucker⁴, DeAngela M Ivory⁴, Ying Zhang⁵, Saurabh Chandra^{4

6}, Charlene Collier^{7

8}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Data Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
² Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA.
³ Institute for Clinical Research and Learning Health Care, John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
⁴ Center for Telehealth, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
⁵ Center for Informatics and Analytics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
⁶ Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
⁷ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
⁸ Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.

PMID: 38563767
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0426

Abstract

Background: Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has potential in hypertension management, but limited studies have focused on maternal hypertension, especially among vulnerable populations. The objective of this study was to integrate RPM into perinatal care for pregnant patients at elevated risk of hypertensive disorders to show feasibility, acceptability, and safety. Methods: A prospective pilot cohort study was conducted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center 2021-2023. Participants' blood pressure readings were remotely captured and monitored until 8-week postpartum, with timely assessment and intervention. Results: Out of 98 enrollees, 77 utilized RPM, and no maternal or neonatal deaths occurred within 60-day postpartum. High program satisfaction was reported at discharge. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of RPM for perinatal care in a vulnerable population. Positive outcomes were observed, including high patient satisfaction and no maternal or neonatal deaths. Further research should address patient engagement barriers and develop tailored protocols for improved clinical outcomes.

Keywords: RPM; feasibility; maternal hypertension; prenatal care; telehealth; telemedicine; underserved population; vulnerable population.