The ongoing quest for the independent patient: an interview study on healthcare professionals’ perspectives on integrating self-monitoring of blood pressure in hypertension care

Home-based self-monitoring of blood pressure has been proposed as a way to enhance patient engagement and self-management of hypertension while potentially reducing pressure on primary healthcare services. Although the effects of self-monitoring are well-documented, less is known about healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting patients with self-monitoring, or the potential added value of patient-reported measures (questionnaires) of health and self-care in hypertension care. To explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting patients in self-monitoring of blood pressure and, in addition, their reflections on the idea that patient-reported measures of health and self-care could provide added value in hypertension care. A qualitative study with an inductive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 informants involved in the care of patients with hypertension who self-monitored their blood pressure. The interviews underwent reflexive thematic analysis. Healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting patients with self-monitoring of blood pressure suggest that self-monitoring can promote patient independence through participation in own health and self-care. However, it may also trigger anxiety in some individuals, underscoring the need for appropriate education and support. When presented with the idea of complementing self-monitoring of blood pressure with questionnaires, healthcare professionals reflected on potential benefits, such as enabling individualised care, identifying patients with greater need for support, and facilitating more preventive approaches to hypertension and its complications. Self-monitoring of blood pressure can support hypertension self-management, particularly when data reporting is simplified. Combining the practices of self-monitoring of blood pressure with patient-reported measures may have the potential to enhance person-centred and preventive care. However, clear responsibilities and standardised procedures and professional support are essential to balance patient autonomy with safety.