Effect of Hypertensive Control by Primary Care Telemedicine Service in Urban Community of Nakhon Ratchasima

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern and remains inadequately controlled in many patients. Difficulties in accessing healthcare services may compromise continuity of care and treatment outcomes. Telemedicine has been increasingly implemented to improve healthcare accessibility and reduce hospital overcrowding; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness compared with conventional care in Thai primary care settings is still limited. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of telemedicine and conventional non-communicable diseases (NCD) clinic services in controlling blood pressure among patients with hypertension.

Methods:  A randomized controlled trial (clinically controlled trial)  was conducted to compare the average Systolic Blood Pressure (mean SBP), average diastolic blood pressure (mean DBP), and satisfaction with telemedicine services in patients aged 40-80 years with hypertension, in the Urban Community Health Center 2, Wat Pa Salwan, Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. The study was conducted between March 1, 2024, and October 31, 2024.

Results:  A total of 52 participants received telemedicine services, and 52 participants received services from the NCD clinic.  The blood pressure control results were not significantly different at the study endpoint with a 95%  confidence level. Satisfaction scores were high in both groups, with 81.6% of telemedicine participants expressing willingness to continue using the service.

Conclusions:  Hypertensive patients receiving telemedicine services achieved comparable blood pressure control to those attending the Chronic Disease Clinic. This supports the consideration of developing Telemedicine systems for efficiently managing chronic non-communicable diseases in primary care settings.

Keywords: Randomized controlled trial, blood pressure control, telemedicine, primary care services