Remote monitoring of blood pressure to reduce the risk of preeclampsia related complications with an innovative use of mobile technology.

OBJECTIVE: Assess suitability of remote self-monitoring of blood pressure with an innovative use of technology in detecting raised blood pressure in pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN: Assess ease of use and safety of the newly developed kit which included a Bluetooth enabled blood pressure machine and an android based mobile phone. The phone was modified to have only one application in it which showed the blood pressure readings with a traffic light system. The study was a proof of concept for wider use of the kit. We provided 50 women who were admitted with the kit. We assessed ease of use of the blood pressure machine and accuracy of readings including remote transfer to a computer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Technological feasibility and acceptance by women.

RESULTS: The technology provides accurate data and visual cues including safe remote transfer instantaneously. 90% of the women agreed that the Kit was simple to use and 78% would prefer this model of testing at home.

CONCLUSION: In a relatively resource rich setting the machine can reduce the number of patient visits for women who are at risk for preeclampsia. In resource poor settings it helps to triage resources to women who need it the most. It also is a valuable tool for research. Studies of the Kit in both developed and developing world will be needed to show reduction in perinatal and maternal morbidity or mortality secondary to preeclampsia.