SmartBeat: Hypertension Self-Management
Program Objectives
This program aims to improve blood pressure control and increase participant engagement in their health. The SmartBeat program involves blood pressure monitoring and a personalized intelligent website, which provides feedback on blood pressure data.
Drivers
Of the 65 million Americans with hypertension, almost 70% do not have adequate blood pressure control. Hypertension is a preventable cause of stroke and other cardiac complications. It is estimated that poor control of hypertension contributes over $40 billion in direct healthcare costs, and generates over 17 million physician office visits annually.
Program Overview
A randomized controlled trial was completed to study the impact of SmartBeat. Employees from Massachusetts-based employer, EMC Corporation, were recruited to participate in a 6 month study. Employees randomized for intervention are using a home blood pressure monitor that stores and wirelessly transmits data, and an Internet-based self-management system. The self-management system combines personalized data-driven feedback and messaging, and educational content. Approximately 400 employees were recruited at selected EMC locations through 2008. Employee engagement was high, with employees sending in on average 2-3 readings per week. The intervention group had a statistically significant reduction in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, compared to the control group.
SmartBeat is also being offered as an employee benefit program for self-insured employers located in New England. For more information on this service, please click here.
 “Tracking my results on the website is very helpful and convenient. The ability to track readings and the feedback you receive with the website are really the keys to success for me,” said Scott Cote, an EMC software engineer (above). “The SmartBeat program is a great incentive for employees and I think it is one of the best benefits EMC offers to help make employees healthier.” |