KOREAN PHYSICIAN PERCEPTIONS OF HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING (HBPM) FOR HYPERTENSION PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate usage and perceptions of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) among Korean physicians and provide a reference for understanding how to increase HBPM usage in Korea.

Design and Method: The study was conducted between February 1 and March 3, 2016. 331 cardiologists and general practitioners (±5.24%p, 95% credibility) in 16 metropolitan areas in Korea were interviewed using Computer-Aided Web Interviews. Interview topics included 3 questions on awareness of HBPM, 5 questions on HBPM usage behavior, and 5 questions on barriers to and tasks for the adoption of HBPM usage. (Chronbach's alpha = 0.784)

Results: For awareness of HBPM, 90% of physicians recognized the importance of HBPM, yet only 29% prioritized HBPM for new hypertension diagnosis. For HBPM usage behavior, 55% of physicians also stated it was difficult for them to recommend HBPM and only 6.6% fully explained HBPM protocols during patient visits. Additionally, 50% of physicians recommended measuring blood pressure at any location, including public places. In terms of accuracy, among mercury, aneroid and automated devices, physicians believed automated devices were the least accurate. 32% of physicians trusted the accuracy of automated devices and 35% trusted the ability of patients to perform HBPM accurately. For barriers to HBPM usage, 92% of physicians reported having no access to installation or human resources for patient education and 59% felt there was a need to increase public awareness of HBPM.

Conclusions: In order to increase HBPM use in Korea, solutions suitable for Korea's circumstances need to be enacted. Awareness of the importance of and need for HBPM must be raised among physicians and patients, and effective programs for education must be developed.