Abstract P254: Impact of Socially Influencing Systems on Hypertension Control

Abstract

Background: Socially influencing systems (SIS) have shown to impact behavior change and outcomes in various clinical scenarios. Two aspects of SIS, i.e., Social Competition and Social Recognition are also known to increase engagement in a program. Objective: To evaluate the impact of social influence on hypertension control. Methods: All hypertensive patients that had initial hypertensive reading between July 1, 2015 and September 30, 2015 using an ambulatory BP kiosk (higi Station, higi SH llc) were identified. A random sample of 1,352 patients were identified as controls and 38,885 patients were invited to participate in a challenge to check their BP on a weekly basis. Weekly drawing for $25 gift card was conducted for those that checked their BP that week and a grand prize of $100 was awarded to the user with the most BP readings. Challenge duration was from October 1, 2015 to January 20, 2016. Patients who joined also received weekly email reminders to check their BP as well as coaching tips on how to maintain or improve their BP. Patients invited to join challenge but did not participate were referred to as Invitees, those who participated were referred to as Joiners and those not invited as Control. Results: A total of 1,655 patients participated in the challenge. Analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant difference between Control and Joiners (p=.016) as well as between Invitees and Joiners (p=0.009). Controls’ mean arterial pressure change increased 38.5% during the course of the study, while Invitees’ mean arterial pressure change increased 12.2%, and Joiners’ mean arterial pressure change dropped by almost 45%. Conclusion: Social competition and social recognition as implemented in the form of a BP check challenge showed significant reduction in mean arterial pressure. Incorporating socially influencing systems in treatment protocols for hypertension can assure adherence to the program and improve outcomes.