Patient support ICT tool for hypertension monitoring.

Detection of hypertension is traditionally a matter for the general practitioner, but an alternative detection scheme is home blood pressure measurement by patients, on patients' or doctors' decision. We designed and implemented a prototype software tool to provide information about hypertension, video instructions on correct home blood pressure measurement technique and a measurements diary. The system was developed using standard, software development methods and techniques. The program was developed for Danish-speaking patients. Usability (navigability, level and outcome of instructions, logical arrangement, level and focus of information, and program accessibility) was evaluated in a think-aloud test with test users performing specific, realistic tasks. The prototype provides written information about hypertension, written and video instructions on correct blood pressure measurement technique, and measurements diary functionality. All test users performed all tasks and rated navigability, level and outcome of instructions, logical arrangement, level and focus of information, and program accessibility high, and had positive attitudes towards the system. The components in the patient support tool can be used separately or in combination. The effects of video for home blood pressure measurement technique instruction remain unexplored.