Evaluation of a remote blood pressure monitoring program during pregnancy: utilization and implementation outcomes

Abstract

Objectives

To identify factors associated with enrollment, retention, and patient engagement in the antenatal remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring program, Connected MOM, and to evaluate program implementation by race and residence.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Main outcome measures

Implementation outcomes (adoption, reach, implementation, sustainability, acceptability) and rates of patient enrollment, retention and engagement.

Results

34,387 Connected MOM-eligible pregnancy episodes (29,897 unique patients) were identified between November 1, 2016 and October 1, 2023. Of those, 8,471 pregnancies (24.6 %) had no offer made by the provider; 1,371 pregnancies (4.0 %) declined participation; 7,509 pregnancies (21.8 %) had an order placed but did not sign the consent form; 6,471 pregnancies (18.8 %) consented and onboarded, but did not submit a remote BP reading required to become enrolled; and 10,565 pregnancies (30.7 %) enrolled. Of those who were offered participation, approximately 40 % of eligible patients enrolled in the program; however, White (44.3 %) and urban patients (40.0 %) were more likely to enroll than Black (35.3 %) and rural patients (24.5 %) (p < 0.0001). Program attrition was very low (1.3 %) and patients averaged at least one BP reading per week about 50 % of the weeks enrolled. Lower patient engagement was associated with Black race (p < 0.0001), rural residence (p = 0.030), and having a public insurance payer (p < 0.0001). Highly engaged patients were more likely to have highly engaged providers (RR = 1.06, 95 % CI, 1.02–1.11).

Conclusion

Identifying and addressing barriers at each step along the enrollment pathway is required for equitable implementation and improvement in maternal outcomes. Provider engagement in the program should be encouraged to improve patient engagement once enrolled.