Home blood pressure monitoring to be rolled out in Scotland

New technology that allows patients to monitor their blood pressure at home will be rolled out across Scotland.

The Scale-Up BP initiative allows patients to measure their own blood pressure and text the results to an app called Florence, or Flo. Their GP or practice nurse is then able to monitor the readings, and arrange a face-to-face appointment if necessary. 

The system has been trialed at more than 150 practices throughout Scotland and it will now be extended to other parts of Scotland over the next two years,  with £1.2 million of investment from the Scottish Government.

The system reduces the need for GP consultations, and can help to deliver more accurate readings.

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: "This technology brings significant benefits to patients. It enables them to have more control over how they manage their condition, and greatly cuts down on the number of appointments they have to attend.

“Another benefit is more accurate readings, because we know that some patients experience anxiety when attending appointments, which can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.

“By investing in improved technology across health and social care, we can improve patients’ experience and outcomes, and free up capacity in the system at the same time.”