Efficacy of a Web-Based Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Program in Improving Predialysis Blood Pressure Control Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Hypertension is highly prevalent among patients undergoing hemodialysis, with a significant proportion experiencing poorly controlled blood pressure (BP). Digital BP management in this population has been underused. Objective This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a web-based home BP monitoring (HBPM) program in improving predialysis BP control and enhancing knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM among patients with hypertension undergoing hemodialysis. Methods A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted at 2 hemodialysis units. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the web-based HBPM program as the intervention group or to usual care as the control group over a 6-month period. The primary outcomes were the predialysis BP control rate, defined as less than 140/90 mm Hg, and the predialysis systolic and diastolic BP, assessed from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included patient knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM, evaluated using the HBPM Knowledge Questionnaire, HBPM Perception Scale, and HBPM Adherence Scale, respectively. A generalized estimating equations analysis was used to analyze the primary outcomes in the intention-to-treat analysis. Results Of the 165 patients enrolled in the program (n=84, 50.9% in the web-based HBPM group and n=81, 49.1% in the control group), 145 (87.9%) completed the follow-up assessment. During the follow-up period, 11 instances of hypotension occurred in 9 patients in the web-based HBPM group, compared to 15 instances in 14 patients in the control group. The predialysis BP control rate increased from 30% (25/84) to 48% (40/84) in the web-based HBPM group after the 6-month intervention, whereas in the control group, it decreased from 37% (30/81) to 25% (20/81; χ 2 2 =16.82, P <.001; odds ratio 5.11, 95% CI 2.14-12.23, P <.001). The web-based HBPM group demonstrated a significant reduction after the 6-month intervention in the predialysis systolic BP ( t 163 =2.46, P =.02; β=−6.09, 95 % CI −10.94 to −1.24, P =.01) and the predialysis diastolic BP ( t 163 =3.20, P =.002; β=−4.93, 95% CI −7.93 to −1.93, P =.001). Scores on the HBPM Knowledge Questionnaire ( t 163 =−9.18, P <.001), HBPM Perception Scale ( t 163 =−10.65, P <.001), and HBPM Adherence Scale ( t 163 =−8.04, P <.001) were significantly higher after 6 months of intervention. Conclusions The implementation of a web-based HBPM program can enhance predialysis BP control and the knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM among patients undergoing hemodialysis. This web-based HBPM program should be promoted in appropriate clinical settings.