OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tele-health service on knowledge and family support of hypertension patients.

METHODS: The subjects were two hundred thirty seven primary hypertension patients who were enrolled at health care center located at the cities of Chunchon, Wonju, and Kangreung, Kwangwon-Do. Tele-health system were located health care center of each cities and the service had been provided for three months. Tele-health system called patients every morning to remind them of taking the prescribed medicine by a 12.5 second pre-recorded message. In addition, tele-health system informed the patients of knowledges on hypertension(medication, exercise, nutrition, regular examination) by 18.4 through 25.3 second pre-recorded message during weekend. Data were collected using a questionnaire before and after the service.

RESULTS: The differences of knowledge on hypertension before and after tele-health service was significant(t=-7.908, p=.000). Family support before and after the service was statistically significant as well(t=-7.550, p=.000).

CONCLUSION: Tele-health service was effective to manage hypertension.