School-Based Telemedicine for Hypertension Management in Urban Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine if hypertensive adolescents from impoverished neighborhoods in Rochester, New York have improved blood pressure (BP) control with the use of school-based telemedicine.

Methods: Adolescents receiving antihypertensive medication had monthly study telemedicine visits at school. BP was measured by a telehealth clinical assistant (CTA) at the school using standard procedures, followed in real time by a teleconferencing visit with the study physician.

Results: Six participants were enrolled, and all completed school-based telemedicine visits prior to school closure due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Mean systolic and diastolic BP at baseline were 139 ± 5 and 75 ± 8 mmHg. All six participants had significant improvement in their blood pressure (final school mean BPs, 127 ± 4 and 67 ± 5 mmHg; systolic, baseline vs. final, p = .003).

Discussion: In this pilot study, adolescents with very high levels of neighborhood disadvantage had consistent adherence with school-based telemedicine and significant improvement in hypertension (HTN) control.

Keywords: Adherence; Antihypertensive; Blood pressure; Compliance.