The Pandora Project: Results of the pilot study

The Pandora Project was designed to develop a computer-assisted system to i mprove the appropriateness and effectiveness of hypertension treatment in c linical practice and to organize a database both for epidemiologic and econ omic assessments. The feasibility study was conducted by five general practitioners (GP) who enrolled 244 patients over a period of 6 months. The follow-up lasted 6 mon ths. The computer system implemented provided a linkage among GP's office, hypertension unit, Ravenna Health Service databases, and a remote station. A total of 209 patients completed the follow-up period; 56% of patients wer e not normotensive despite the antihypertensive treatment. The prevalence o f overweight, physical inactivity, and family history of high blood pressur e and hypercholesterolemia was greater than 50%. Unplanned check-ups by GP occurred 9%. Six patients were admitted to the hospital eight times; 19 pat ients attended the casualty department 21 times. The mean total direct cost per patient was 567,800 Italian Lire (ITL) and i ncreased to ITL 732,000 or to ITL 825,900 when lost productivity, calculate d according to two different formulas, was added. This pilot study confirms the need and feasibility of implementing the Pand ora Project in general practice in Ravenna. (C) 1999 American Journal of Hy pertension, Ltd.