Mixed-methods evaluation of an AI-powered remote blood pressure surveillance solution

Hypertension, a key clinical concerned highlighted within the NHS’s Core20PLUS5 initiative, underscores significant health disparities. Notably, hypertension stands as a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), identified as a pivotal area for saving lives as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

As experts in independent evaluation methods, Unity Insights were commissioned by Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex to evaluate an AI-powered automatic blood pressure monitoring technology. The intervention prompts individuals with hypertension to take measurements of their blood pressure at set intervals via SMS, at which point the user provides their blood pressure readings via the same SMS channel. The technology then interprets the readings provided and recommends subsequent action, such as re-measurement of blood pressure or seeking clinical attention. Clinicians are able to use the provided blood pressure readings to personalise care plans and make treatment adjustments, enhancing clinical efficiency and supporting a shift in workload allocation.

Unity Insights were commissioned to conduct an evaluation featuring qualitative, quantitative, and health economic analyses, exploring areas of acceptability, effectiveness, implementation, value, and health inequalities of the intervention.

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-12.68mmHg

mean systolic BP change across the cohort cohort over 100 days

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58.8%

decrease in the count of patients in the >160 systolic BP bracket

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8.71 CVD events

prevented across a 10-year horizon in a cohort of 751 patients

As a result of our evaluation, the innovators have a complement of real-world results which can be used to support further commissioning of the intervention across the NHS, resulting in an increased quality of care for individuals with hypertension and increased value for the NHS.

Our insights:

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