HYPERTESSA "HyperTessa User Experience Study (HTUX)"

Background: Hypertension is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases and premature death in the world. Hypertension management starts with the control of blood pressure, whatever it is the type and severity. The optimum control of blood pressure requires regular and frequent auto-monitoring of blood pressure values, adherence to medication plan, and modification of lifestyle behaviours, including diet, quit smoking, and physical activity. This study is a pilot project to assess acceptance ad usability of a digital health solution to be used by patients diagnosed with hypertension. Materials and methods: Prior to the development of the solution, a literature research was performed, then focus group meetings were conducted with senior experts in the digital field, physicians treating hypertension, and patients. A mobile app and web platform were created to help patients in monitoring and reporting data about health status and lifestyle. In order to execute the study, first the physicians in charge of the study will register in the webApp, creating a personal account. Then, patients who meet the inclusion criteria are proposed to participate to the study and, in case of agreement, will be asked to sign the informed consent (IC) statement and the privacy policy. After the phase of profile setting and onboarding, the patient will start to use the mobile App for hypertension management. Once the patient has used the App for the observation period, the physician will be allowed to analyze the data to understand the level of acceptance and regular usage from each patient. This physician will perform this analysis using a web-based portal which is part of the digital solution. Results: During the study, data about usage patterns will be collected. Specific data about usability and acceptance will be gathered through the use of User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) and unstructured interviews and tests. After each patient has completed the observation period, all the data will be analysed using mainly descriptive statistics to obtain metrics related to usage patterns, usability and adherence. The study results from this pilot phase will be used to modify the digital solution, leveraging an incremental, iterative logic following a co-design and agile methodology. After incorporating the feedback from this pilot and further enriching the solution, next phases of the study are forseen in order to assess the care benefit of such technology in terms of improved treatment outcomes, due to better adherence, higher motivation in practicing healthy lifestyle, better information, and personalized support from HCP.