The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health announced the 20 winners of Phase I of the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition. The competition was created to identify effective, pre-existing programs that care for people with hypertension where the programs could be or are already applied to women with hypertension who are pregnant and/or postpartum. The goal of the competition is to demonstrate sustainability and the ability to replicate and/or expand programs that provide effective monitoring and follow-up of hypertension for women who are pregnant and/or postpartum.
Congratulations go to Emagine Solutions Technology and Valleywise (in collaboration with Creighton University).
Hypertension is a serious health condition affecting 1 in 10 women during pregnancy. If not controlled, hypertension puts women at higher risk of experiencing serious pregnancy complications and at higher risk of lifelong cardiovascular disease.
The two Arizona based projects are:
Emagine Solutions Technology – Tucson, AZ
Program/Focus: The Patient Pregnancy Health Tracker App
This program utilizes a free cell phone application that allows participants to log their symptoms such as headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and vitals including blood pressure, weight, and temperature. This information is then fed directly into the clinic’s interface, where providers can monitor their patients and respond in real-time.
Valleywise (in collaboration with Creighton University) – Phoenix, AZ
Program/Focus: Outpatient Telehealth and Remote Blood Pressure Cuffs to control Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
This program utilizes a telemedicine approach to follow-up with women following a diagnosis of hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Their research found that 92% of patients had a follow-up appointment scheduled, but only 60% followed through with that appointment. The program increases access to care and serves a very diverse population with 89% of their Labor and Delivery patients representing Black or African American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations.