Blood pressure trial shows positive results for worker health

NIB chief executive Rob Hennin. Photo / File

Office workers in Hawke's Bay could soon lower their blood pressure without even leaving work, if a new teleconference-style health programme is rolled out here.

Doctor2Go, the medical company behind a pioneering remote doctor consulting trial at a Napier pharmacy, has just concluded a another trial aimed at improving corporate workers' health through the use of "telemedicine".

Speaking to Hawke's Bay Today Doctor2Go co-founder Michael Haskell said the results of the new trial were "very positive".

"We've just concluded a six-month trial with our insurance partner, nib, that investigated whether or not remote blood pressure monitoring would be beneficial to corporate office workers in helping them co-manage their health and make proactive lifestyle choices.

"This is the first study of its kind in NZ and quite possibly the first study of its kind much further afield.

"We are prepared to offer our blood pressure monitoring service anywhere in New Zealand that has stable internet connectivity."

Nib employee Andrew Davis, from Auckland, said since participating in the blood pressure trial, his blood pressure has fallen from 130/80 to 115/75.

"Additionally, I have dropped 5kg of excess weight and my Total and Lidl (the bad stuff) cholesterol has reduced by 30 per cent."

His 10-year cardiovascular risk factor also dropped by a quarter.

"I feel and look much better. I have much more energy when playing with my kids. And I've greatly improved my odds of enjoying a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life."

Nib chief executive Rob Hennin said the service had been integrated into the company's holistic wellbeing strategy.

"The platform is used on average 15 times per month, and our people think it's great. It provides them with the opportunity to consult with a GP quickly and conveniently without leaving the office. We believe that bringing this service into the workplace is going to redefine corporate wellness."

Auckland-based medical company Doctor2Go, which has medical consultants based across New Zealand, has also teamed up with Napier's Westshore Pharmacy to address concerns about ease of access to primary care.

"Having already partnered with Doctor2Go to deliver medication to its corporate customers, the two companies teamed up to launch a new service to help address this need," Haskell said.

The Westshore Pharmacy trial was ongoing.