Is a targeted intensive intervention effective for improvements in hypertension control? A randomized controlled trial

Danish Evaluation of Your Heart Forecast (DANY): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial on an interactive risk-communication tool aimed at improving adherence of patients with high blood pressure

Background

To improve communication of risk messages, they must be communicated in a way that is understandable and relevant to the patient. Communicating risk of cardiovascular disease is a complex and individualised task, since the risk itself is a combination of multiple personal risk factors. Raised blood pressure is but one of these risk factors. In Denmark, only one-third of hypertensive patients are adequately treated, with regards to national clinical guidelines. One reason for this problem is low treatment adherence; tools with documented effects for increasing adherence of patients are limited.

Our objective is to evaluate the effect of a personalised, interactive and dynamic risk-assessment and risk-communication tool: ‘Your Heart Forecast’ (YHF) on blood pressure control, primary non-compliance, health literacy and patient empowerment.

Methods

Cluster-randomised controlled trial in general practice. Effect measures are adherence, blood pressure, lipid levels and empowerment at inclusion and after 6 and 12 months. To identify other benefits or possible adverse effects of the intervention, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subgroup of patients.

Discussion

The investigators will explore effects of Your Heart Forecast on patients’ health literacy, adherence, empowerment and blood pressure control. The DANish evaluation of Your heart forecast (DANY) project will be the first to rigorously evaluate effects of YHF in Denmark and to link adherence of hypertensive patients exposed to YHF with the national databases of prescriptions and health services provided.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04058847. Registered on 16 August 2019.

No difference in medication regimes and dosing in study participants with and without blood pressure control: longitudinal data of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

BACKGROUND

To achieve blood pressure (BP) control adequate dosing of first-line antihypertensive medications is recommended in addition to life-style changes. Given observations that dosing of antihypertensive agents is frequently insufficient, we compared the changes of BP control rates and antihypertensive drug regimens in a prospective German population using a new strategy to analyze medication dosing.

METHODS

This analysis is based on data of the baseline (2000-2003) and the first follow-up examination (2005-2008) of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study. Participants with hypertension at baseline (BP ≥140/90 mmHg or at least one antihypertensive agent) who participated in both examinations were included.

RESULTS

Of the 4157 participants, 2289 (55.1%) had hypertension at baseline. The prevalence of participants on antihypertensive agents was 60.3% at baseline and increased to 75.1% at follow-up. The mean number of antihypertensive agents was 2 [±1 SD (standard deviation)] initially and at follow-up. The prevalence of medication-controlled BP did not improve over time (baseline: 54.5%, follow-up: 56.5%). When stratifying by medication-controlled BP, the medication dosing rate slightly increased over time without differences between groups [controlled versus uncontrolled BP: 40.9 versus 46.2% (baseline); 50.1 versus 51.9% (follow-up)].

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of antihypertensive medication use increased in the study period, the BP control rate did not. In contrast to clinical reasoning, participants with uncontrolled BP did neither receive more agents nor higher dosing despite outcome-relevant hypertension. Our approach to analyze medication dosing suggests a potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes by increasing dosages of antihypertensive agents.

Hypertension Management in Primary Care

BACKGROUND

To improve hypertension control, this cluster randomized trial evaluated the effectiveness of physician manager education about hypertension management.

METHODS

After randomization at practice level, primary care physicians of the intervention arm, whose practices collaborated with a university department, participated in a three-session education on evidence-based hypertensiology and practice implementation strategies. The primary outcome was blood pressure (BP) control (ambulatory blood pressure [ABP] <130/80 mmHg) after 5 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in BP and practice routines regarding hypertension management. Following an intention-to-treat approach, data analyses included crude and adjusted generalized mixed models and sensitivity analyses. These took into account sex, age, ≥ hypertension-related disease and resistant hypertension (RH).

RESULTS

The analysis included 103 of 169 patients from 22 practices. Overall, BP decrease was -8.2 systolic and -4.1 mmHg diastolic. The intervention had no effect on BP control (odds ratio 0.84 [95% CI 0.29-2.43]) and BP changes (interventional effect: systolic -2.48 mmHg [95% CI -7.24 to 2.29], diastolic -0.25 mmHg [95% CI 3.31 to 2.82]). Sensitivity analysis indicated effect modification in patients with RH. Intervention practices requested educational input on difficult cases, and newly implemented 3 practice strategies (14.5±2.6 versus 11.4±2.2; P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

After the short follow-up of 5 months, the intervention had no impact on BP control but improved the use of practice strategies.

Improving management of resistant hypertension: Rationale and protocol for a cluster randomized trial addressing physician managers in primary care

BACKGROUND

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite ≥3 antihypertensive agents. It is estimated to account for 12-28% of all hypertensive patients. Despite a higher risk of cardiovascular events, hypertension therapy in these patients is often insufficient. In a previous study we successfully tested an evidence-based, physician manager-centered hypertension management.

METHODS

For this cluster randomized trial (CRT), a random sample of 102 German primary care practices will be randomized into two study arms (1:1). Physician managers and practice assistants of the intervention arm will participate in three-session medical education on hypertension management to implement 1) standardized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for RH patients, 2) structured recall of patients with uncontrolled BP, and 3) teaching and supervision of RH patients on BP self-measurements. Practice tools are provided to facilitate implementation, e.g., how to distinguish true from pseudo RH and guideline-based medication selection. Physicians will specify guideline-algorithms for their practice to manage RH. A secured web-based peer-group exchange with hypertension specialists is offered to both professional groups. Physicians of both study arms will consecutively recruit patients with RH. BP will be measured by ambulatory BP monitoring at baseline and after 12 months. The primary endpoint is defined as treatment success with either normalized BP (24h<130/80 mmHg) and/or a reduction by ≥20 mmHg systolic and/or ≥10 mmHg diastolic. Secondary analyses will focus on changes in physicians' knowledge and practice routines.

DISCUSSION

This CRT will determine the effectiveness of a physician manager-centered intervention on treatment success in high-risk patients.

Hypertension management in primary care: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Studies worldwide show insufficient blood pressure control rates, and effective management of hypertension remains a challenge in general practice. Although structured forms of care improved blood pressure in randomized controlled trials, little is known about their effects under routine primary care. This cluster randomized trial (CRT) evaluates the effects of a modern interactive medical education series for general practitioners on hypertension management, including practice redesign strategies.

METHODS/DESIGN

For this CRT, 24 primary care academic teaching practices of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, are randomized into two study arms. With the objective of improving hypertension control, general practitioners of the intervention group participate in a three-session medical education program on structured hypertension management. The program aims at changing physician awareness and practice design. Various practice tools are provided: for example, checklists on valid blood pressure readings, medication selection, detection of secondary hypertension, and patient education. General practitioners of both study groups include hypertensive patients with and without hypertension-related diseases such as angiographically proven coronary disease, and peripheral or cerebral vascular disease. Blood pressure is measured by 24-hour readings. Analyses will focus on differences in blood pressure control and changes of practice management between intervention and control group.

DISCUSSION

The study will determine the effectiveness of our practice redesign intervention on hypertension control. The intervention addresses general practitioners and practice assistants, while aiming at benefits on the patient level. Therefore, the cluster design is used to evaluate the effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00006315 (date of registration: 14 July 2014).