by Tonya Stewart
An innovative remote monitoring scheme for hypertension management in Scotland has successfully reached over 100,000 patients in partnership with Inhealthcare.
The ConnectMe programme, launched in 2021, is utilized by 12 out of the 14 Scottish health boards to support patients suspected or diagnosed with hypertension.
Patients can conveniently share their blood pressure readings with healthcare professionals through the Inhealthcare platform, eliminating the need for in-person GP appointments.
With an estimated 1.3 million Scottish individuals affected by high blood pressure, this initiative plays a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of heart and circulatory diseases.
Health Secretary Neil Gray commended the success of ConnectMe, emphasizing the significant reduction in primary care pressure and improvement in health outcomes.
The programme has saved an estimated 400,000 face-to-face appointments since its inception, aiding in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Natalie Duffield, from Inhealthcare, lauded the transformative impact of Connect Me on patient experience and clinical outcomes, highlighting the ongoing innovation in digital healthcare.
Connect Me’s expansion into secondary care will cater to patients with various conditions, incorporating additional measurements like heart rate and weight to enhance their clinical care.
A pilot project focusing on cardiology, stroke, and hypertension is set to commence in two health boards by summer 2024, with plans for a broader rollout thereafter.
Furthermore, the Scottish government has allocated £3.6 million towards funding the Hospital at Home remote care initiative for older individuals in the upcoming year.
