Slough GP surgeries use digital tech to successfully control blood pressure

A hypertension project in Slough, involving multiple GP practices, has achieved a 30% increase in patients with controlled blood pressure through the implementation of a new digital technology program. This digitally-driven approach focuses on identifying, diagnosing, and managing hypertension patients. It uses various technologies to identify patients in need of support, collect blood pressure readings, communicate with patients, provide treatment, and monitor program success.

Patients can easily submit home blood pressure readings, which are reviewed by clinicians. Normal results are added to patient records without the need for further action, reducing in-person appointments and inconvenience. Patients with higher readings receive text messages to upload more data, and medications are adjusted if necessary to improve control.

Since the project began in December 2021, Bharani Medical Centre has seen a 15% increase in patients aged 79 and under with controlled blood pressure and a 15% improvement in those aged 80 and over. Another Slough surgery, Ragstone Road Surgery, recorded a 30% increase in patients aged 79 and under with controlled blood pressure and a 23% increase for patients aged over 80.

The project also significantly reduced administrative workload for surgery staff, with a 75% reduction in time spent contacting hypertension patients for blood pressure reviews, from 20 hours per month to just four hours.

This successful Slough hypertension project received national recognition in the HSJ Digital Awards, and there are hopes to expand it to benefit more patients and GP surgeries in the future.

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