Availability of records
The transmitted BP readings were only accessible through the web-based clinical management portal by the HCPs, and patients did not know how to retrieve the history from the BP monitor. Therefore, F096 and F099 kept their own record through methods such as taking a video or photo of the readings displayed on the monitor, or manually in a book.Three patients expressed desire to have access to their readings, so that they could share with other healthcare providers, or monitor the BP trends and motivate themselves to adopt a healthier lifestyle.I think it’ll be good if you can aggregate the readings over a month and say…I think you’re doing very well or not doing too well, and maybe nudge you, you may like to exercise or you might want to control your diet, less salt…I think it is a behavioral thing that can nudge you to a more healthy lifestyle…I think every participant would benefit. (F022, male, 64 years old)They also suggested having an integrated mobile application where patients could readily communicate with the care team or access their BP data and other useful information, such as contact numbers of the care team and frequently asked questions. HCPs interviewed concurred as patients could feel empowered and a sense of ownership when they have access to their own data.A concern arising from having data access, and with consultation and medication titration being done over the phone, was data confidentiality as unauthorized personnel may impersonate as HCPs. Patients proposed verification methods, such as two-factor authentication or using the device serial number, to ensure that the call is genuinely from the polyclinic.