A telehealth strategy for increasing adherence in the treatment of hypertension in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes and analyzes a telehealth strategy for Family Health Teams (FHTs) providing primary care services. This strategy aimed to increase the adherence to the treatment of hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a before-after study that enrolled 21 professionals and 502 hypertensive patients in two of the Family Health Units connected to our Telehealth Center Network. Seminars addressing the treatment adherence of hypertension were offered by Web conferences, for a period of 6 months, to the FHTs. The adherence to antihypertensive drugs, low salt diet, and physical activity was measured by specific questionnaires. The rates of adherence were assessed before and after a continuing education program (CEP). After the telehealth intervention, 17 professionals and 465 patients were re-evaluated.
RESULTS: The participation in the question and answer session, after the seminar, was significant. The qualitative evaluation of the sessions by FHTs showed 87.5% of great/good. There was a trend toward a greater critical understanding of the results and targets set for the team, although at insignificant levels. The rates of adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical activity, and sodium control, before and after the CEP, were 37.8% versus 46.7% (p<0.004), 90.3% versus 89.9% (p=0.90), and 92.2% versus 96.3% (p<0.001), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to antihypertensive drugs and low salt diet improved after the CEP. Preliminarily, this telehealth strategy suggests a positive impact on hypertensive patients.