OPTIMA-BP: empOwering PaTients in MAnaging Blood Pressure - protocol for a randomised parallel group study comparing...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting one-third of adults in Scotland.
• Poor blood pressure control is prevalent, with only a quarter of hypertensive patients meeting target BP (<140/90 mmHg).
• Patient empowerment and active involvement in monitoring and management can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based educational portal (Kvatchii) combined with home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in patients with hypertension.
• To compare this intervention against HBPM alone in improving blood pressure control and patient understanding.
• To assess the impact on lifestyle factors, medication adherence, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized parallel group pilot study (OPTIMA-BP) involving 200 hypertension patients.
• Intervention group received HBPM plus access to the Kvatchii portal; control group received HBPM alone.
• Data collected via surveys at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with HBPM results logged every 2 months.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the area under the curve of home blood pressure monitoring systolic blood pressure between baseline and 6 months.
• Further analysis will determine the impact of the Kvatchii portal on patient knowledge, adherence, and quality of life.
• The study will provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of digital health interventions for hypertension management.

Conclusions:

• Empowering patients with knowledge and tools for self-management can potentially improve hypertension control.
• Digital health interventions like the Kvatchii portal may offer a scalable solution to enhance patient engagement and outcomes.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger, diverse populations.