Evaluating the Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Experience of a Large Language Model–Based Digital Tool for Home-Based Blood Pressure Management: Mixed Methods Study

TL;DR

A digital tool for home-based blood pressure management was found to effectively reduce blood pressure and improve user satisfaction over time.

Contribution

This study evaluates a large language model-based digital tool for hypertension management, demonstrating its clinical effectiveness and user acceptance.

Findings

Users experienced significant blood pressure reduction correlated with longer tool usage.

High retention rates and positive user feedback highlight the tool's usability and perceived benefits.

Digital tools with user-centered design can support long-term hypertension management.

Abstract

Hypertension, one of the most common cardiovascular conditions worldwide, necessitates comprehensive management due to its association with multiple health risks. Effective control often involves lifestyle changes and continuous monitoring, yet many individuals struggle to adhere to traditional management approaches. Digital health tools are emerging as promising alternatives, offering remote monitoring and real-time support. This study focuses on evaluating a digital tool specifically designed for hypertension management, analyzing its effectiveness, and gathering user perspectives on its functionality and impact.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a digital health tool in managing hypertension. Additionally, the study aims to understand user experiences and satisfaction levels to gauge the tool’s acceptance and potential for long-term use. By analyzing data from a large cohort, we seek to determine whether the tool can contribute to meaningful reductions in blood pressure and support sustained engagement over time.

The study includes a cohort of 5136 participants who used the digital hypertension management tool. This tool provides continuous blood pressure monitoring, real-time feedback, and personalized health recommendations, which are crucial for tailored intervention. Participants recorded their blood pressure values over time, and we tracked retention rates to measure adherence. An online survey was administered to gather user feedback, focusing on ease of use, satisfaction levels, and perceived health benefits.

Our analysis indicates a significant reduction in blood pressure values among users, with a positive correlation observed between the duration of use and the extent of blood pressure reduction. We performed a 1-sided Wilcoxon Rank Sum test to compare systolic blood pressure values in the first and last biweekly use intervals, and descriptive statistics were used to assess survey responses. High retention rates were observed, with 2583 (50.3%) participants using the tool after 1 year. Survey responses revealed high satisfaction, with users highlighting the tool’s ease of use and noting reduced anxiety related to blood pressure management. These results suggest that users found the digital tool both effective and convenient.

This study demonstrates the potential benefits of digital health tools in managing hypertension, emphasizing their ability to engage users over long periods and support blood pressure reduction. The high satisfaction rates and positive user feedback underscore the importance of user-centered design in creating effective health interventions. Overall, the findings suggest that digital tools, when designed with a focus on user experience, could be a valuable component in hypertension management strategies, complementing traditional health care approaches.

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