New Orleans-based Ochsner Health is improving pregnancy blood pressure metrics through a virtual platform, Joseph Biggio, MD, system chair and service line leader for women's services and chair of maternal-fetal medicine at Ochsner Health, told the American Medical Association.
The Connected Maternity Online Monitoring (MOM) program provides patients with Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuffs for regular blood pressure monitoring. If a patient's blood pressure is elevated or out of range, the app gives instructions to retake the measurement or seek medical assistance. On the provider side, metrics are integrated into the EHR, allowing physicians to view data for all enrolled patients.
The program enables continuous patient care, even during emergencies like hurricanes. In 2021, as Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf South, pregnant patients maintained their prenatal care through virtual visits and the Connected MOM program.
The program has improved patient care in three ways:
Next, Ochsner plans to explore virtual fetal assessments and integrate the program with health coaches, pharmacists and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.