Telehealth Intervention by Pharmacists Collaboratively Enhances Hypertension Management and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a centralized pharmacist-led telehealth model utilizing home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) readings on hypertension quality measure pass rates and blood pressure reduction at 3 and 6 months. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. METHODS: Adults with uncontrolled hypertension (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) were identified through a centralized outreach model. Patients who completed a visit with a pharmacist comprised the intervention group; those who were not reached or who declined were included in the usual care group. Pharmacists met with patients via telehealth appointments and sent recommendations to their providers. RESULTS: A total of 1776 patients were included: 179 patients in the intervention group and 1597 patients in usual care. The mean age was 56 years (95% CI, 55.7-57.0 years), with approximately half identifying as female (47.6%-53.1%). The intervention group had a higher proportion of Black patients (53.1% vs 37.3%; P = .0002) and a higher mean Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (2.93 vs 2.54; P = .0016). Patients in the pharmacist intervention group were more likely to pass the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set Controlling Blood Pressure measure (2022: OR, 1.78; P = .014; 2023: OR, 1.75; P = .014). Greater systolic blood pressure reductions in the intervention group vs usual care were observed at both 3 months (-12.69 vs -5.69 mm Hg; P < .0001) and 6 months (-13.87 vs -9.05 mm Hg; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Participating in telehealth visits integrating HBPM readings with a pharmacist between primary care visits significantly improves blood pressure control. Pharmacists play a critical role in actively engaging patients and optimizing medication therapy in team-based care for chronic hypertension management.