About Digital Enablement for Medication Optimisation (DEMO)

The Digital Enablement for Medication Optimisation (DEMO) is an initiative led by Changi General Hospital (CGH) pharmacists to enhance hypertension management and provides patients an option for home blood pressure (BP) monitoring with teleconsultation. This transforms the current consult model of in-person consultation, thus empowering patients to take charge of their health.

This pilot project enables patients to perform daily blood pressure monitoring through a Bluetooth-enabled BP monitor. Readings are automatically recorded in the mobile application for the pharmacist care team’s review at the teleconsultation. The mobile application has also been programmed to provide protocol-based responses on abnormal BP readings and provide reminders on missed readings.

Convenience

Improve compliance to home monitoring

Reduce hospital visits and time spent at hospital

Digital Enablement for Medication Optimisation (DEMO) at a glance

Opportunity

Presently, patients manually record their blood pressure readings, which can be cumbersome and error-prone. With the shift towards teleconsultation, we see a potential in using the Health Discovery+ mobile app and Bluetooth-enabled BP meters to close the gap where automatic transmission of BP readings can be achieved.

Solution

Patient are provided with a Bluetooth-enabled BP monitor which automatically records their daily BP readings in a mobile application, which will be reviewed by the Pharmacist Care Team during the teleconsultation and medications will be optimised and delivered to the patient.

The application also provides protocol-based responses on abnormal BP readings and reminders for missed readings.

Impact

Patients of CGH Pharmacist-managed clinics for hypertension will be able to perform timely home monitoring with the mobile application and BP monitors. They may elect either phone- or video-consultation. This will reduce hospital visits and ensure optimal use of hospital resources. Patients will also receive prompt advice based on their daily BP readings to further empower them to take charge of their health.

Future Outlook

The pilot program may potentially be expended to other care teams in CGH, to empower patients to manage other chronic conditions, such as patients on anticoagulation therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in this program?

This program is currently offered by CGH Pharmacists in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Endocrinology and Renal Medicine. Interested participants can consult your doctor during your follow up for suitability to participate in this program.