The Hypertensive disorders Equitably Addressed with Remote Technology for Birthing People (HEART-BP) investment program aims to address inequities in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through the use of patient-centered remote blood pressure monitoring (RBPM) technology.
Overview
In October 2024 the HPC launched a new $1.5 million maternal health investment program, Hypertensive disorders Equitably Addressed with Remote Technology for Birthing People (HEART-BP).
Through remote blood pressure monitoring, HEART-BP will support four birthing hospitals and one community health center in their efforts to improve outcomes, lower costs, and address maternal health inequities. Awardees will monitor program access and engagement to ensure a high-quality, equitable patient experience for all populations, but especially for populations with a disproportionate prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), including Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic birthing people and individuals living in rural communities.
The HEART-BP investment program aims to:
- Support eligible entities in making high-quality, patient-centered remote blood pressure monitoring (RBPM) programs available to appropriate patients for a minimum of 6 weeks postpartum.
- Improve access to care, experience of care, and outcomes for birthing people experiencing HDP.
- Ensure that awardees address the presence of or potential for inequities in access, outcomes, and experience in all elements of the program.
- Reduce avoidable readmissions and emergency department visits associated with HDP to support both the clinical and the business case for RBPM.
- Capture insights that can inform development of sustainable, scalable RBPM programs across the Commonwealth by collecting data on relevant processes, outcomes, experience, and avoided costs.
HEART-BP Investment Program Awards
On October 10, 2024, the HPC’s Executive Director recommended, and the Board of Commissioners approved, the investment of up to $1.5 million supporting obstetric service providers through the HEART-BP program.
Awardees and funding amounts include:
Awardee | Award Amount |
Berkshire Medical Center | $299,788 |
Beverly Hospital | $299,073 |
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center | $300,000 |
Heywood Hospital | $300,000 |
Signature Healthcare – Brockton Hospital | $300,000 |
Programs are anticipated to launch operations in winter 2025. Additional information regarding the awardee programs is available in this excerpt from the October 10 Board meeting presentation.
Request for Proposals and Public Information Session (CLOSED)
In June 2024, the HPC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the HEART-BP program. The HPC also held a virtual information session on the HEART-BP investment program. The RFP and supporting materials are available on COMMBUYS.